Project leaders of Rail Baltica aim to lease high-end vehicles

In a recent turn of events, Latvian Minister Aivars Briškens has expressed his disapproval over a car leasing contract for the Rail Baltica project. The contract, worth a total of EUR 159,900, was submitted by Full Service Leasing Ltd. and offers to rent four new cars for a period of three years.

The monthly rental for one car is approximately €1,100. The technical specification for the cars includes ventilated front seats, a heated multifunction steering wheel with leather trim, automatic three-zone climate control, and projection of information on the windscreen.

Minister Briškens believes that such spending is unacceptable, especially given current economic conditions, and considers the car leasing to be luxury spending. He expressed his disapproval on Latvian Television's "Today's Question" program, stating that he will not tolerate such expenditure.

In response to the car leasing contract, Briškens suggested that officials involved in the procurement should be fined. However, he leaves the identification of responsible officials to the company's board.

Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, the company responsible for the Rail Baltica project in Latvia, has announced that it will conduct an internal review of the procurement committee and the requirements included in the car rental contract. The minister also stated that the procurement of the cars should be stopped.

Moller Leasing Latvia made the offer to rent the cars. No new facts about Briškens or his statements were provided in this paragraph. Briškens also stated that he will not tolerate such expenditure and suggested fines for officials involved in the procurement, although no specific fines have been announced yet.

The minister's comments come amidst calls for increased fiscal responsibility and austerity measures in Latvia. Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas has not yet responded to the minister's suggestions, and it remains to be seen how the internal review will proceed.