Nine Latvian MPs Face Sanctions for Traffic Violations and Ethical Lapses

Nine members of the Latvian Saeima (parliament) were found to have committed administrative offenses between September 2023 and January 2024, ranging from speeding to conflicts of interest, according to a report presented to the Saeima on February 26, 2026, by the Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee. The information was sourced from the Information Center of the Ministry of the Interior’s Criminal Registry.

Traffic Violations

Three deputies were cited for exceeding speed limits. Gunārs Kūtris of the Greens and Farmers Union, and Ilze Indriksone of the National Alliance, both exceeded the speed limit by 11 to 20 kilometers per hour. Linda Matisone of the United List was caught speeding at a higher rate, exceeding the limit by 21 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Dāvis Mārtiņš Daugavietis (Novel Unity) and Artūrs Butāns (National Alliance) were penalized for disregarding road signs. Zane Skujiņa-Rubene (New Unity) was held accountable for driving in a prohibited lane – either the left lane or on a tram track.

Other Administrative Offenses

Maija Armaņeva (Latvia First) was found to have violated regulations concerning conflicts of interest for public officials, and was found to have performed functions while in a conflict of interest.

Jeļena Kļaviņa (Independent) was sanctioned for insufficient apply of the Latvian state language in her professional duties, as required by law.

Didzis Šmits (Independent) faced administrative liability for violating regulations related to gas and signal weapons, though the committee’s report did not provide further details regarding the offense beyond the imposition of an unspecified fine.

About the Saeima

The Saeima is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Latvia, consisting of 100 members elected by proportional representation. Elections are held every four years, typically on the first Saturday of October. The current 14th Saeima was elected in October 2022, with the next election scheduled by October 3, 2026. Learn more about the Saeima.

Role of Committees

The Saeima operates through standing committees, established according to its Rules of Procedure. These committees prepare draft laws, scrutinize government actions, and may also verify public expenditures, assess ethical violations, and coordinate national positions on European Union matters. More information on Saeima committees.