Today, the Saeima Legal Committee in Latvia did not support the amendments prepared by 'Jaunā Vienotība' aimed at introducing personal liability for officials of market participants involved in cartels related to public procurement. The proposed changes also included related amendments to the law governing the enforcement and application of the Penal Code, all of which were dismissed by the committee. The rejection came primarily due to the stance of the coalition party, the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS), which believes that while the idea of criminalizing personal accountability seems logical, it may not lead to more effective punishment of cartels.

Harijs Rokpelnis, the leader of the ZZS parliamentary faction, elaborated that the criminalization of cartel involvement could actually hinder the Competition Council's (KP) ability to investigate cartels. He expressed concerns that the legal requirement for proving cartel activity would require a larger amount of evidence than is currently necessary, which could complicate enforcement efforts. This position highlights a significant debate within Latvian politics about how best to combat anti-competitive practices while ensuring that regulatory bodies can effectively perform their duties.

The rejection of these amendments also suggests a broader reluctance among some political factions to adopt stricter measures against cartel behavior, potentially impacting the enforcement of competition laws in Latvia. As discussions continue, the implications of this decision may influence future legislative proposals and the overall strategy for addressing market competition issues in the country.