Kariņš was not reachable on Wednesday. He agreed to an interview with Latvian Televizija on Tuesday – the day before the conclusions were released.
When asked if he had seen the State Audit Office Report, Kariņš replied in the negative. But when asked if he was willing to take responsibility for the flights, the politician stressed:
"From my point of view, I have done everything to defend the interests of our country. I'm not uncomfortable with what I've done. Whether there are things to improve in the system, I assume there are. Now it's like a sport where everyone tries to express themselves. In our country, we need to understand, if we want to be heard, we need to move twice as quickly. If we want our voice heard internationally, it has to be twice as loud. God forbid that voice doesn't go off stage."
As reported by LSM, in carrying out a special flight audit of former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity), the State Audit Office concluded that at least EUR 221,566 was unlawfully used from the State budget, while at least EUR 323,688 of the European Union (EU) Council funds were used uneconomically. Although the audit was not able to identify specific people who made decisions on the use of special flights on foreign missions of the Prime Minister and the delegation, this will be assessed by law enforcement authorities.
Jānis Citskovskis, Director of the State Chancellery, has been suspended in connection with Kariņš' flights for the service probationary period. Meanwhile, the State Chancellery, commenting on the responsibility of the parties involved on the day of the publication of the State Audit Office, said that the choice of transport necessary for the official travel has been made and the order has been placed directly by the Prime Minister's Office.
