As previously reported by LSM, on September 15, Minister of Finance Jānis Reirs issued an order to initiate a disciplinary case and suspend Jaunzeme from her duties. The order was issued on the basis of an inspection report and in response to the recent arrests by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) of senior VID employees. While Jaunzeme is not herself one of those arrested or suspected of criminal activity, she does bear ultimate responsibility for the alleged activites of her employees.
Earlier on Tuesday, Jaunzeme herself said she was sure she would return to work and was sharply critical of Reirs.
In an interview on Latvian Television's "Morning Panorama" program, she said: "I am ashamed of my colleagues in the Ministry of Finance. It seems that there has been a brainstorm among my colleagues".
"It is not pleasant for me, but I am ready to go through the process to prove that the expressed concerns are not justified," said Jaunzeme.
Investigations continue.