MEPs are concerned about the changes in the CSDD

Krišjānis Feldmans, who works in the Saeima Commission for National Economy, Agrarian, Environmental and Regional Policy, sees only good things in the plan, who sees various affairs in the procedure of providing the technical inspection service so far.

“The Alliance of Greens and Farmers of all time [vadījusi Satiksmes ministriju: 03.10.10. – 25.10.11. un 11.02.16. – 23.01.19.] performed various affairs at the Road Traffic Safety Directorate. Companies that provided technical inspection services for a long time were involved on incomprehensible terms. The aim of the changes is that these companies will be selected through an open tender and, consequently, there will be pressure on the price, which, hypothetically, should become more attractive, ”says K. Feldmans.

Nothing needs to change

On the other hand, his colleagues in the commission and the coalition are not so convinced about the potential benefits of the new order.

Thus, Janīna Kursīte, representing KPV LV, finds the idea of ​​the state-owned dilemma in the private sector unattractive. “Any privatization is for the benefit of an entrepreneur, that is clear. Although it is said that it distorts the market, but I want to have a lot of state institutions so that they can be controlled by the deputies of the Saeima, ministries, the government, ”says the deputy. At the same time, she admits that if the competition thus extended would lower the cost of passing a roadworthiness test, the idea would already seem more sympathetic to her.

Romāns Naudiņš, representing the National Association, does not understand why it is necessary to change the system, which is already working perfectly.

“It simply came to our notice then. I think it is wrong to change something that is already working well. Apparently someone liked a well-established business. The private person does not have to give things in order, moreover, creating uncertainty about prices, ”says R. Naudiņš.

The issue of security and competition

Ivars Zariņš, a deputy of the opposition “Harmony”, points to other aspects that raise concerns about the quality of the technical inspection service. He recalled that roadworthiness testing was necessary to ensure road safety, but that by handing over this service to 100% private hands, a situation could arise where the trader could disproportionately reduce the price of the service, which would hurt himself. service.

“The first thing to think about is how not to turn this service into a business that will fight for the customer at low prices, but the main reason why a technical inspection is needed – security – may suffer. I’m not against, but tell me how to ensure quality. If there is no answer, then it is another affair in the interests of a lobby, for which we can pay with our lives, ”I. Zariņš thinks.

Didzis Šmits, a non-member of the faction, agrees with the thesis that the state should not interfere in matters dealt with by private business, but he thinks that by creating a system, a certain circle of entrepreneurs will have a disproportionate impact on the processes. The deputy also acknowledges that only the current system can ensure the same high quality of the technical inspection service throughout the country.

“If we look at it from the point of view of safety, of course, it is easier to ensure the same standard for all motorists in Latvia in the current situation. On the other hand, if the state or local government may not perform a function and it can be performed by a merchant, then the less the state intervenes, the better, ”D. Schmidt thinks.

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