Only Braže Abstained in Government Vote on Prosecutor General's Protest in Timber Case

The protocol of the July 21 government meeting reveals that only Foreign Minister Baiba Braže (New Unity) abstained from the vote on the Prosecutor General's protest in the so-called timber industry support case. Other ministers, including members of New Unity, did not voice objections or abstain.

The Prosecutor General's Office had previously concluded that the government led by Evika Siliņa (New Unity) acted unlawfully by ordering AS "Latvijas valsts meži" (LVM) to change timber pricing procedures. The current government under Andris Kulbergs (AS) rejected the protest, stating it is legally impossible to revoke the earlier decisions.

Although no objections were raised during the meeting, several New Unity politicians later publicly criticized the government's decision and demanded a re-examination in an open session with the Prosecutor General present. Braže claimed she had expressed separate opinions but did not elaborate due to the confidential nature of the discussion. According to Braže, the transport minister and defense minister shared similar views.

Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns (AS) noted that former Prime Minister Siliņa had on March 25 asked then-Agriculture Minister Krauze to review the possibility of revoking the 2023 decision, but no action followed. Prime Minister Kulbergs argued that the previous government's decisions cannot be overturned.

The Prosecution estimates state losses at approximately 50 million euros. Ten individuals, including former Agriculture Minister Krauze and former LVM executives, are under criminal investigation. Two lines of inquiry are being pursued: possible abuse of office by Agriculture Ministry officials and negligent failure by LVM officials to prevent damage.

Prosecutor General Armīns Meisters stated in June that the case is progressing and a result is expected within the year.