Justice Ministry tests AI pilot that could cut process costs eightfold

Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns discussed on TV24's programme "Nacionālo interešu klubs" a pilot project underway at the Justice Ministry, in which a subordinate institution is using artificial intelligence to automate one specific process. He said he has already discussed the initiative with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis.

Accuracy and cost gains

According to Smiltēns, the process in question previously had an accuracy rate of around 60%, but after introducing the AI-based system, this rose to 97% — roughly a 30% improvement. The minister did not disclose which specific process is involved, saying details will follow once the pilot is complete.

Costs would also change significantly. The process currently costs €8.5 million a year, but after automation is introduced, expenses could fall to €1.7 million in the first year and to €1.2 million the following year. That would represent savings of roughly €5 million, which Smiltēns suggested could be redirected to other priorities, such as a safe-house project for children and young people.

Effect on staffing

Smiltēns said the solution could free up several hundred employees, but stressed this would not mean layoffs — freed-up staff would instead be redirected to other areas facing labour shortages. He noted that unemployment in Latvia is currently low and competition for skilled workers is intense.

Asked whether the pilot could be completed given the limited time remaining for the current government, the minister said results would soon be presented together with the Prime Minister. If the pilot proves successful, it could serve as a model for extending the approach to other areas of public administration.