Jūrmala City Council members have voiced concerns over potential staffing changes that could pave the way for former mayor Gatis Truksnis to be appointed to a new position within the mayor’s office. The opposition raised the issue during a Thursday meeting discussing regulations and staffing adjustments.
Staffing Changes and Salary Increase
The position of senior legal adviser in the mayor’s office was replaced with that of deputy head, a role that comes with a higher salary ranging from 2,009 to 5,000 euros, depending on qualifications. When questioned about a competition for the post, Mayor Jānis Lediņš asked if the opposition had “ever heard of a minister announcing a competition for positions in their own office.”
Council member Andris Čuda expressed suspicion that the changes mirrored a situation in Ogre municipality, where former mayor Egils Helmanis was appointed head of the council chairman’s office. Uldis Kromblūms also hinted at a potential role for Truksnis, stating, “We will see what Mr. Lediņš has come up with.”
The mayor’s office will consist of five people: a head, a deputy head, and three advisers. The office will be responsible for organizing the work of the council chair and vice-chair, analyzing strategic alignment, and providing opinions on various policy areas including finance, culture, and education.
Office Responsibilities
The office will also gather and analyze information for the council leadership, monitor the implementation of decisions, and coordinate official visits and events. It will represent the chair’s views to the media, manage correspondence, and facilitate cooperation between municipal institutions.
During the meeting, former mayor Rita Sproģe left the session after being denied the opportunity to ask a question despite registering to do so. She sought clarification on the denial but did not receive an answer.
Previous Concerns Regarding Committee Appointments
In autumn 2025, the Jūrmala council established a new Strategic Planning Committee, prompting opposition concerns that it was created specifically to appoint Truksnis as its head. Opposition members pointed out that after Truksnis previously lost the mayor’s post, a special adviser position was created for him.
They argue the council already has too many committees and the purpose of the new committee remains unclear. Maintaining the committee, including the chair’s salary, is estimated to cost nearly 23,000 euros annually. The creation of the committee was justified by the need for coordinated municipal development.
Truksnis was later elected as the head of the new committee, aligning with opposition predictions.
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