Head of Latvian tax authority announces resignation intention

Inara Petersone, director general of the Latvian State Revenue Service, tendered resignation Monday amid what she called a smear campaign against her and the tax authority, local media reported.

Finance Minister Dana Reizniece-Ozola did not accept the tax chief's resignation letter for now, asking her to reconsider her decision. The minister also said that Petersone's decision to stand down was totally unexpected, as she had been doing her work diligently.

"I asked Petersone to reconsider her decision because this is not the right moment for such a step. But I also understand that Petersone is under enormous internal pressure. I reassured her that she can count on my support in any case. I hope Petersone will change her mind," the finance minister said.

A press briefing has been called at the State Revenue Service this Tuesday, May 31, to provide more information about Petersone's decision.

Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said last week that Petersone was doing her job conscientiously and was ready for reforms at the revenue service, but that she was undeniably feeling great pressure.

Petersone told the press recently that there had been attempts to influence her decisions concerning a staff reshuffle planned at the revenue service.

The tax chief also told about an anonymous smear campaign that has been targeting her and the tax authority. Anonymous people, calling themselves "employees of the State Revenue Service," have been circulating information about Petersone's properties in the media, accusing the tax chief of living beyond her means.

In an interview with public radio last Friday, Petersone said that the State Revenue Service has been feeling pressure from the public in recent months, especially in social networks, as people have been venting their frustration about all sorts of issues in Latvia by posting angry rants about the tax authority and its head. Endit