The Ministry has approached the Chairman of the Riga City Council, Viesturs Kleinbergs, requesting justification for the procurement announced by the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (RITA). It is called "LinkedIn Strategy and Advertising Services," and the estimated contract value is 300,000 euros excluding VAT. **"The amount is significant"** 300,000 euros of public funds for communication services related to a LinkedIn profile is a substantial amount that requires further explanation. The public has the right to receive a clear justification for why such a procurement is necessary, what results are planned to be achieved with it, and whether the chosen solution is proportionate, the ministry explained in its request. **Why hire a contractor?** VARAM intends to determine how necessary and justified the procurement is, whether it aligns with the municipality's competencies, and the principles of rational use of budgetary funds. The Riga City Council has been asked to explain what public interests will be realized if a corresponding contract is concluded as a result of the procurement. Additionally, the ministry wants to know whether the municipality assessed the estimated contract value in light of the requirements of the law on preventing the misappropriation of public funds and property. Another question from VARAM concerns why these services need to be procured externally and why the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, specifically its Investment Department, cannot perform the corresponding work itself.
