Questions arise in Latvia over education data of candidate Artūrs Butāns — LSM English

Questions have arisen in Latvia over information about the education of Saeima deputy and National Alliance candidate Artūrs Butāns, which he listed in the three most recent parliamentary elections. As LSM English reports, citing the LETA agency, in documents for the 2018 and 2022 elections, as well as in the initial questionnaire for this year's elections, Butāns indicated that he had higher education.

Information in questionnaire changed after inquiry

After LETA asked about a qualification obtained in Australia, the education level in Butāns' election questionnaire for the 15th Saeima elections was changed from higher to secondary education. Sydney Business College was also removed from the list of educational institutions.

The politician told the agency that he had obtained a certificate in business management in Australia, but had not submitted it in Latvia for recognition of the educational qualification. He later said that he would contact the Academic Information Centre to clarify whether the document corresponds to Latvia's higher education level.

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Qualification assessment and legal provisions

Butāns acknowledged that since receiving the certificate in 2018, he had taken no steps to have it recognized in Latvia. According to him, after being elected to the Saeima in 2022, he enrolled in a bachelor's programme in Latvia and plans to complete his studies by the end of this year.

In response to a request from LETA, the Academic Information Centre said that without the educational document, it could not assess whether Butāns' qualification is equivalent to higher education in Latvia. Currently, secondary education is listed as his highest level of education in the candidate profile published by the Central Election Commission.

The Saeima Election Law provides that a candidate must sign a statement on their education level, degree obtained, professional qualification, educational institution and year of graduation. The legislation also establishes liability for knowingly providing false information; to apply it, it must be proven that the information was provided intentionally.