Latvian government backs wider grounds for suspending civil servants

The Latvian government today gave its support to amendments to the State Civil Service Law that broaden the circumstances under which a civil servant can be suspended from their duties.

What would change

Under the approved amendments, a civil servant could be suspended from office if they have been granted the status of a criminal suspect in a criminal proceeding. Previously, this status alone was not sufficient grounds for suspension.

Background

The State Civil Service Law governs the legal status of civil servants working in public administration and the procedures for suspending them from their duties. Suspension is a temporary measure that allows a civil servant to be temporarily removed from performing their duties, for instance when an investigation is underway against them or there is another justified reason to doubt their ability to continue in the position.

The changes approved by the government today would expand the range of situations in which the head of an institution or another responsible body would have the right to decide on suspending a civil servant, including cases where criminal proceedings have been initiated against the person and they have been granted suspect status.

The source information does not provide further details on the next steps for the amendments, such as review by the Saeima.