Kulbergs wants to appoint State Chancellery head without competition; Delna warns of risks

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List unexpectedly placed a draft law on the Saeima's agenda on Thursday that would abolish the mandatory competition for the position of State Chancellery director. Kulbergs described the current norm as stupid and paralyzing for public administration. He wants to gain the right to appoint the top civil servant himself without a competitive process.

The non-governmental organization Delna (Society for Openness) opposes these changes, pointing to several significant risks. The organization emphasizes that abandoning an open selection could threaten transparency and increase the potential for political influence in state administration. Delna has outlined specific risks in its statement.

The issue of the appointment procedure for the State Chancellery director has reached the Saeima agenda following the prime minister's initiative. Current regulations require the candidate to be selected through an open competition.