Mareks Gruskevics

Education and Science Minister Roberts Kilis has decided to achieve the resignation of the Secretary of State to Education and Science Ministry (ESM) Mareks Gruskevics due to his involvement in the violations of the ministry’s procurements. This decision was made after the minister reviewed the report of the disciplinary commission.

Kilis has informed Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis of his decision. Kilis explained that the decision about the resignation of the Secretary of State needs to be made by the government. The fact that there are disciplinary actions initiated against Gruskevics, the investigation commission advised the minister to initiate the resignation of Gruskevics’ deputy – Inga Stale and ESM Information Technology Department Director Inese Gludite. The minister decided to do just that.

Kilis expects that the decision on Gruskevics’ resignation could be made during the government meeting on July 10.

The minister informed the journalists that these officials have been working at the ministry for a long time now: for example, Gruskevics – since 1999, so it is even less understandable why he committed violations of this kind. Noting that the report of the investigation commission is confidential, the minister said that he is only allowed to say that these actions have been decided on in relation to several procurements that violated the requirements of the law. As a result of these actions and decisions the budget could have suffered serious consequences.

Kilis clarified that the investigation concerns the nine million LVL worth computer procurement project meant for schools, and even now the results of the actions of the officials could cause serious losses for the state budget, but they could be a few hundred LVL.

Kilis has decided to ask the Prosecutor General’s Office to assess whether there are signs of criminal offense in this situation.

Last week, the disciplinary case commission of the ESM made the decision apply a disciplinary punishment to Gruskevics, Stale and Gludite – removal from office. Pietiek.com reports that Gludite said she is on sick leave, Gruskevics is also sick.

AS it is known, Kilis initiated a disciplinary action against Gruskevics and his deputy – Stale, because several violations were uncovered during the reorganization of the ESM, which could have led to serious losses for Latvia and squandered taxpayer money. Gruskevics is suspended from office for the duration of the investigation; Stale, on the other hand, continues her work.

While the case was being investigated, Gruskevics challenged the neutral decision making of a number of commission members and achieved that the commission’s composition is changed, so that there would not be place for unnecessary speculations and assumptions.

Also, Gruskevics turned to the District Administrative Court of Liepaja with an application, in which the disciplinary action review process is challenged; the ESM sent an explanation, not accepting the request. The Court will review Gruskevics’ request on July 20. The 2nd part of Section 64 of the Administrative Procedure Law states that the decision regarding extension of the time period may be disputed and appealed.

Ref: 102.109.109.2506

ESM secretary of State to leave his post because of the voluminous computer procurement

Education and Science Minister Roberts Kilis has decided to achieve the resignation of the Secretary of State to Education and Science Ministry Mareks Gruskevics due to his involvement in the violations of the ministry’s procurements. This decision was made after the minister reviewed the report of the disciplinary commission.

Kilis has informed Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis of his decision. Kilis explained that the decision about the resignation of the Secretary of State needs to be made by the government. The fact that there are disciplinary actions initiated against Gruskevics, the investigation commission advised the minister to initiate the resignation of Gruskevics’ deputy – Inga Stale and ESM Information Technology Department Director Inese Gludite. The minister decided to do just that.

Kilis expects that the decision on Gruskevics’ resignation could be made during the government meeting on July 10.

The minister informed the journalists that these officials have been working at the ministry for a long time now: for example, Gruskevics – since 1999, so it is even less understandable why he committed violations of this kind. Noting that the report of the investigation commission is confidential, the minister said that he is only allowed to say that these actions have been decided on in relation to several procurements that violated the requirements of the law. As a result of these actions and decisions the budget could have suffered serious consequences.

Kilis clarified that the investigation concerns the nine million LVL worth computer procurement project meant for schools, and even now the results of the actions of the officials could cause serious losses for the state budget, but they could be a few hundred LVL.

Kilis has decided to ask the Prosecutor General’s Office to assess whether there are signs of criminal offense in this situation.

Last week, the disciplinary case commission of the ESM made the decision apply a disciplinary punishment to Gruskevics, Stale and Gludite – removal from office. Pietiek.com reports that Gludite said she is on sick leave, Gruskevics is also sick.

AS it is known, Kilis initiated a disciplinary action against Gruskevics and his deputy – Stale, because several violations were uncovered during the reorganization of the ESM, which could have led to serious losses for Latvia and squandered taxpayer money. Gruskevics is suspended from office for the duration of the investigation; Stale, on the other hand, continues her work.

While the case was being investigated, Gruskevics challenged the neutral decision making of a number of commission members and achieved that the commission’s composition is changed, so that there would not be place for unnecessary speculations and assumptions.

Also, Gruskevics turned to the District Administrative Court of Liepaja with an application, in which the disciplinary action review process is challenged; the ESM sent an explanation, not accepting the request. The Court will review Gruskevics’ request on July 20. The 2^nd part of Section 64 of the Administrative Procedure Law states that the decision regarding extension of the time period may be disputed and appealed.

Ref: 102.109.109.2506