Latvia

Home / Data Tools / Country View / 198 / Latvia
Share SHARE

Change country

Export
Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Only Latvian citizens and persons who have the right to receive an Aliens passport of the Republic of Latvia are allowed to make donations for political parties.

     

    Section 4. Gifts (Donations)

    (1) In accordance with the restrictions referred to in Section 6 of this Law, political organizations (parties) may accept gifts (donations) from:

    1) Latvian citizens;

    2) persons who in accordance with law have the right to receive an Alien's passport of the Republic of Latvia;

  • Source

    Section 4, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

    8.4(4.1) If a separate candidate has performed individual pre-election canvassing campaign, then the funds spent on this campaign shall be included in the pre-election expenses of the political organization (party) from whose submitted list of candidates this person is standing in the relevant elections.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With the amendment in force from 12.03.2004, all donations from legal persons are banned.

  • Source

    Section 4, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With the amendment in force from 12.03.2004, all donations from legal persons are banned. All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Section 4 & Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With the amendment in force from 12.03.2004, all donations from legal persons are banned.

  • Source

    Section 4, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With the amendment in force from 12.03.2004, all donations from legal persons are banned. All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Section 4 & Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 7. Prohibition on Anonymous Gifts (Donations)

    1. Financing of political organizations (parties) in the form of anonymous gifts (donations) is prohibited.

  • Source

    Article 7.1, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Financing of political organizations (parties) in the form of anonymous gifts (donations) is prohibited. All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Articles 7.1 & 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With the amendment in force from 12.03.2004, all donations from legal persons are banned.

  • Source

    Section 4, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    With the amendment in force from 12.03.2004, all donations from legal persons are banned. All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Section 4 & Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 33. Prohibition of the Use of Administrative Resources

    (2) Within the meaning of this Section, the use of administrative resources shall be considered use of financial resources, movable and immovable property or provision of services of a State authority and an authority of derived public persons and capital companies, in which the capital shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public persons, as well as of the capital companies, in which capital shares (stocks) owned by one or more State capital companies or capital companies of derived public persons individually or in aggregate exceed 50 per cent, for conduction of pre-election campaign, as well as advertising of these authorities for payment within the period of 30 days before the elections, if the relevant advertisement with regard to its content is related to reflecting of a deputy candidate, political party, association of political parties, as well as candidates for the post of the Prime Minister or a Minister nominated by a administrative bodies of a political party or association political parties, or reflecting a person related to a political party or an association of political parties or reflecting of activities by such a candidate or person.

  • Source

    Article 33.2, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of the law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

    8.4(4.1) If a separate candidate has performed individual pre-election canvassing campaign, then the funds spent on this campaign shall be included in the pre-election expenses of the political organization (party) from whose submitted list of candidates this person is standing in the relevant elections.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 33. (1) Use of administrative resources in pre -election campaign is prohibited.

  • Source

    Article 33.1, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of the law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
  • CodeYes, for natural persons
  • Comment

    Section 4. Gifts (Donations)

    (2) A natural person is allowed to make a gift (a donation) to one political organisation (a party) for the sum not exceeding the amount of 20 minimum monthly salaries over a period of one calendar year.

    Section 3. Joining Fee, Membership Fee and Gifts (Donations) Made by a Member to a Political Organisation (Party)

    (1) The total amount of the payments of joining fee and membership fee and gifts (donations) made by a member for one political organisation (party) may not exceed 50 minimum monthly salaries over a period of one calendar year.

    However, for parties, who are receiving public funding, stricter rules apply:

    Section 2. Sources of Financing

    (3.1)If a party receives the funding and is represented in the parliament, the total amount of all payments from a natural person may not exceed five minimum monthly salaries

    (3.2) If a party receives public funding, but in the last parliamentary elections has received more than 2 but less than 5 per cent of votes, the total amount of all payments from a natural person may not exceed 12 minimum monthly salaries

  • Source

    Articles 2(3.1), 2(3.2), 3(1) & 4(2), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
  • Code Not exceeding the amount of 20 minimum monthly salaries over a period of one calendar year
  • Comment

    Section 4. Gifts (Donations)

    (2) A natural person is allowed to make a gift (a donation) to one political organisation (a party) for the sum not exceeding the amount of 20 minimum monthly salaries over a period of one calendar year.

    For parties receiving public funding, stricter rules apply. See Articles 2(3.1) and 2(3.2),

  • Source

    Article 4.2, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
  • CodeYes, for natural persons
  • Comment

    Donations from legal persons to a party are banned. The law does not specify that a donation must be made in relation to an election or not, hence the regular limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party applies.

  • Source

    Article 4.2, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
  • Code Not exceeding the amount of 20 minimum monthly salaries over a period of one calendar year
  • Comment

    The law does not specify that a donation must be made in relation to an election or not, hence the regular limit applies. If a party is receiving public funding, stricter rules apply for the total amount of donations.

  • Source

    Article 4.2, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Any contribution from legal persons is banned, as well as the law permits natural persons to only make donations to political parties and not to individual candidates. A donation that exceeds one minimum monthly wage has to be transferred to the party`s bank account, and all financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Section 4; Articles 6.2 & 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 4. Gifts (Donations)

    (2) A natural person is allowed to make a gift (a donation) to one political organisation (a party) for the sum not exceeding the amount of 20 minimum monthly salaries over a period of one calendar year

    Section 2. Sources of Financing

    (2) Within the meaning of this Law, a gift (donation) is any financial or other types of gratis benefits including services, transfer of rights, release of a political organisation (party) from an obligation, refusal from any right in favour of a political organisation (party), as well as other activities by which any benefit is granted to the political organisation (party). Within the meaning of this Law, a gift (donation) is also a transfer of movable or immovable property to the ownership of the political organisation (party) and provision of services to the political organisation (party) for a charge lower than the market value of the relevant movable or immovable property or service.

  • Source

    Articles 2.2 & 4.2, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment

    All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Section 2. Sources of Financing

    (1) The political organisations (parties) may be financed from:

    3) the income earned by economic activities of the relevant political organisation (party).

  • Source

    Article 2(1.3), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 6. Financing Restrictions

    (5) Political organisations (parties) are prohibited to take loans

  • Source

    Article 6.5, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment

    All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No restrictions are mentioned.

  • Source
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
  • CodeSometimes
  • Comment

    Section 6. Financing Restrictions

    (2) All gifts (donations) of financial assets the sum of which exceeds one minimum monthly salary shall be transferred directly into the bank account of the relevant political organisation (party), but other gifts (donations) shall be given, transferred or submitted directly and without mediation to the relevant political organisation (party).

  • Source

    Section 6.2, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995

Export
Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
  • CodeYes, regularly
  • Comment

    Section 7.1 State Budget Financing

    (1)State budget financing shall be granted to the political organisation (party) for which more than two percent of voters have voted in the previous Saeima elections, in a calendar year:

    1) EUR 4,50 for each vote acquired in the previous Saeima elections; 2) EUR 0,50 for each vote acquired in the previous municipal elections; 3) EUR 0,50 for each vote acquired in the previous European Parliament elections

    (2)Additional EUR 100`000 in a calendar year shall be granted to a political organisation (party) for which more than two percent of voters have voted in the previous Saeima elections

    (3) State budget financing is granted for four years and paid starting from the next calendar year after the Saeima elections. Payments are made twice a year

  • Source

    Section 7.1, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeShare of votes in previous election
  • Comment

    State budget financing shall be granted to the political organisation (party) for which more than two percent of voters have voted in the previous Saeima elections

  • Source

    Section 7.1(1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeEqual
  • Comment

    State budget financing shall be granted to the political organisation (party) for which more than two percent of voters have voted in the previous Saeima elections

  • Source

    Section 7.1(1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
  • CodeCampaign spending | Ongoing party activities | Intra-party institution
  • Comment

    Section 7.4 Spending of the State Budget Financing

    (1) A political organisation (party) shall spend the State budget financing for the provision of political and economic activity thereof and is entitled to spend it for:

    1) for the maintenance of the office and employees of a political organization (party);

    2) for providing meaningful activities, for example, seminars, congresses, conferences, research works, surveys, youth organization events, consultations;

    3) for public communication activities, including political campaigns

  • Source

    Section 7.4(1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 6. Right to the State Ensured Free of Charge Broadcasting Time

    (1) Deputy candidates who are on the list of deputy candidates of the same title have rights to use the State ensured free of charge broadcasting time for the pre-election campaign in the first television and radio programme of the public electronic mass media

  • Source

    Section 6.1, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeEqual
  • Comment

    Section 9. Procedure for Use of the State Ensured Free of Charge Broadcasting Time

    (1) The State ensured free of charge broadcasting time for pre-election campaign may be used by all deputy candidates, who are in the list of deputy candidates of the same title, together or, upon reaching an agreement, by some of them. The relevant public electronic mass medium shall be notified on such agreement in each individual case.

  • Source

    Section 9.1, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 9. Procedure for Use of the State Ensured Free of Charge Broadcasting Time

    (3) The State ensured free of charge broadcasting time may be used by the deputy candidates who are in the relevant list of deputy candidates at their discretion.

  • Source

    Section 9.3, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 5. Tax Relief

    Natural persons who have, in compliance with the provisions of this Law, gifted (donated) financial resources or property to a political organisation (party) shall be exempted from the payment of the relevant State fees.

  • Source

    Section 5, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Connection between direct public funding and gender equality among candidates is not identified.

  • Source
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Financial benefits to increase gender equality are not identified.

  • Source

Export
Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 90. Hindrance of Exercising the Right to Vote, the Right to Participate in Initiation of Legislation, Initiation of National Referendums and Supporting of the European Citizens' Initiative

    (2) For a person who knowingly commits hindrance of exercising the right to freely elect members of the parliament and to be elected or to freely participate in a national referendum organised in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia, by the use of violence, fraud, threats, payoffs, or other unlawful means, the applicable punishment is the deprivation of liberty for a period of up to three years or temporary deprivation of liberty, or community service, or a fine.

  • Source

    Article 90.2, The Criminal Law, the amended version of the law in force from 03.07.2019 to 30.06.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199/200, 08.07.1998
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Restrictions for the amount of pre-election expenses exist. Different limits are set according to the level of elections.

  • Source

    Section 8.4, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
  • Code Section 8.4 Restrictions for the Amount of Pre-election Expenses | A political party which has submitted the list of candidates thereof for election to the Saeima in five electoral districts, in pre-election expenses may spend an | amount that does not exceed the monthly average gross work remuneration for the year before last published by the Central Statistical Bureau which is approximated to euros applying a coefficient 0.0004 per voter at the previous election of the Saeima. The same coefficient is for Municipal Elections. For European Parliament Elections coefficient is 0.0003.
  • Comment
  • Source

    Section 8.4, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Any financial activity of a candidate will be considered as financial activities of a respective political party. Therefore all the expenditures will be regarded as expenditures of a political party's and the threshold will be applied.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    Any financial activity of a candidate will be considered as financial activities of a respective political party. Therefore all the expenditures will be regarded as expenditures of a political party's and the threshold will be applied.

    (41) If a separate candidate has performed individual pre-election canvassing campaign, then the funds spent on this campaign shall be included in the pre-election expenses of the political organisation (party) from whose submitted list of candidates this person is standing in the relevant elections.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
  • CodeYes, spending limit exists
  • Comment

    Unrelated person (a natural person, a legal person or a registered association of such persons who is not affiliated with political parties, their associations or electoral associations) can conduct a pre-election campaign in their own name.

    (2)Unrelated person for pre-election campaign may use resources not exceeding 15 minimum monthly wages. A minimum monthly wage within the meaning of this Law shall be the amount of the minimum monthly wage which was determined on 1 January of the relevant calendar year.

  • Source

    Section 5.2, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 13. Pre-election Campaign in the Programmes of Foreign Electronic Mass Media

    Electronic mass media, which are providing retransmission of programmes by foreign electronic mass media in Latvia shall include a provision in the contract with the relevant foreign electronic mass medium that during the period of pre-election campaign programmes to be re-transmitted in Latvia may not include campaign materials on political parties, its associations and voters associations.

  • Source

    Section 13, Pre-election Campaign Law, the amended version of the law in force from 15.07.2016, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199, 19.12.2012,  Official Publication number: 2012/199.2

Export
Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 8.5 Annual Report

    (1)A political organisation (party) shall prepare an annual report on each reporting year

    (2) A political organisation (party) shall, not later than by 31 March each year, submit the annual report to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau using the Electronic data entry system

  • Source

    Section 8.5, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 8.2 Declaration of Income and Expenses of Elections

    (1)The political organisations (parties) which have submitted their lists of candidates for the election to the Saeima, local government councils or the European Parliament shall via the Electronic data entry system submit to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau a declaration of income and expenses of elections signed by the authorised person of the relevant political organisation (party) thereof in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet within 30 days after the election of the Saeima, local government councils or the European Parliament.

    (2) The declaration of income and expenses of elections shall disclose all the revenues and expenses which have been incurred over the period from the 120th day before the elections up to the election day, regardless of the date when a document attesting the transaction has been written out

  • Source

    Section 8.2, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    All financial activities by a candidate are considered as financial activities of his/her respective nominating political party.

  • Source

    Article 8.4(4.1), Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 9. Transparency of Financial and Economic Activities

    (1) The financial and economic activities of political organisations (parties) shall be transparent and publicly available.

    (2) Any person shall have the right to apply to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau and to the relevant political organisation (party) for familiarisation with the annual report, the annual declaration of financial activities, the declaration of expenses during the pre-election period, the statement on the planned election expenses and the declaration of income and expenses of elections thereof.

    (3) The declarations and statement referred to in Paragraph two of this Section shall be published in the official gazette Latvijas Vēstnesis and on the Internet according to the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet not later than 10 days after submission thereof.

  • Source

    Section 9, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Section 7. Prohibition on Anonymous Gifts (Donations)

    (1) Financing of the political organisations (parties) in the form of anonymous gifts (donations) is prohibited.

    (2) Within the meaning of this Law, a gift (donation) is anonymous if in the accounting documents of the political organisation (party) the given name, surname, personal identification number and place of residence in respect of the giver (donor) - a natural person - are not indicated.

    (3) If a political organisation (party) receives an anonymous gift (donation), such financial resources shall be transferred to the State budget within five days of the receipt thereof, but property shall be transferred to State property in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet.

  • Source

    Section 7, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Information on gifts (donations) received by parties is published on the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau website, indicating its type, amount, date of receipt, as well as the natural person who made the gift (donation). Gifts (donations) that have not been accepted or have been repaid are also indicated.

    Section 4. Gifts (Donations)

    (3)Within 15 days after receipt of a gift (donation) the political organisation (party) shall inform the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau thereof. The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall publish information on its Internet homepage about the gifts (donations) received by a political organisation (party). The information to be indicated in the report of a political organisation (party) and the procedures for the submission thereof, as well as the procedures by which information about the gifts (donations) received by a political organisation (party) shall be published and the content of this information shall be determined by the Cabinet.

  • Source

    Article 4.3, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Parties must submit detailed information about their spending in the pre-election time and must report on itemized spending of the State budget financing.

    Section 8.2 Declaration of Income and Expenses of Elections

    (2) The declaration of income and expenses of elections shall disclose all the revenues and expenses which have been incurred over the period from the 120th day before the elections up to the election day, regardless of the date when a document attesting the transaction has been written out

    Section 8.5 Annual Report

    (22) When submitting the annual report of a political organisation (party) to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, the political organisations (parties), to which the State budget financing has been granted shall append a report on spending of the State budget financing in the accounting year, indicating the remainder of money at the beginning and end of the accounting year, money income and money payments for the types of expenditure laid down in Section 7.4, Paragraph one of this Law.

  • Source

    Sections 8.2 & 8.5, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
  • CodeSpecial agency for political finance
  • Comment

    Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau

  • Source
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeSpecial agency for political finance
  • Comment

    Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau

  • Source
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeRefer for investigation | Carry out investigation | Request additional information from potential violator | Request additional information from others | Impose sanctions
  • Comment

    Section 2.(5) the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau may request that the natural person who has given a gift (donation), paid in membership fee or
    joining fee, submits a filled-in form regarding his or her income, money savings, debt liabilities and properties.

    Section 7.3 (1) The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall take a decision on refusal to grant State budget financing to a political organisation (party);

    Section 7.3 (2)Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall take a decision to suspend the disbursement of State budget financing.

    Section 7.4 (3) Upon a request of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau the political organisation (party) shall submit documents justifying the spending of the State budget financing thereto.

    Section 8.2 (3) The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall perform an audit of declarations of income and expenses of elections

    Section 10.(1.1) If the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau identifies a violation, the Head of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau has a duty to charge the relevant political party to repay the illegally acquired financial assets to the payer within 30 days.

  • Source

    Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
  • CodeFines | Prison | Forfeiture | Loss of public funding | Deregistration of party | Suspension of political party | Suspension of public funding
  • Comment

    The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau imposes sanctions according to the violation.  Sanctions for each type of violation are laid down in Section 10 in the Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties).

    According to the Criminal Law, for the illegal financing of political organisations (parties) or associations of political organisations, deprivation of liberty, temporary deprivation of liberty, or community service, or a fine are the applicable punishments. The same accounts for the acceptance of illegal financing and for the blackmailing of illegal financing of political organisations.

  • Source

    Section 10, Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), the amended version of the law in force from 01.01.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 114, 02.08.1995

    Articles 288.2 & 288.4, The Criminal Law, the amended version of the law in force from 03.07.2019 to 30.06.2020, Latvijas Vēstnesis, 199/200, 08.07.1998

Disclaimer: Maps presented do not imply on the part of the Institute any judgement on the legal status of any territory or the endorsement of such boundaries, nor does the placement or size of any country or territory reflect the political view of International IDEA. Maps are used in order to add visual clarity to data.