Latvia's Foreign Minister Resigns over Charter Flights

Latvia's Foreign Minister resigns amidst controversy surrounding unauthorized charter flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. Allegations of breaching travel restrictions and ethical standards prompt the minister's departure. The scandal underscores the scrutiny public officials face regarding adherence to regulations and ethical conduct, impacting governmental integrity and public trust.

Prosecutors are investigating alleged misuse of government funds

Latvia’s foreign minister, Krišjānis Karinš, is resigning in the wake of criticism of his use of business aircraft for official trips. The Baltic state’s prosecutor general has opened an investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds in response to reports that Karinš spent around €1.3 million ($1.4 million) on more than a dozen private jet charters from the capital, Riga, to various European cities for which airline service is available.

Karinš, who was born in the U.S., was previously Latvia’s prime minister from 2019 to 2023. He will remain in office until April 10 after submitting his resignation to current prime minister Evika Silina.

Earlier this week, UK home secretary James Cleverly drew criticism for spending almost $209,000 to charter a jet for a one-day trip from London to the Rwandan capital Kigali. Along with officials from his department, a photographer and a BBC TV news crew were on the flight to witness Cleverly sign an agreement under which asylum seekers to the UK could be deported to the African country.

Last year, when Cleverly was serving as the UK’s foreign secretary, he chartered an Embraer Lineage 1000E for an eight-day tour of the Caribbean and Latin America. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also has been criticized by opposition politicians for using private helicopters paid for by donors to the ruling Conservative Party.

Source: AIN - Aviation International News