The Riga municipality publicly states that the rules for accepting gifts establish both limitations and exceptions, as well as procedures for handling received gifts and monitoring compliance with the rules. According to the established procedure, an employee may accept flowers and souvenirs if the donor's intention is a sign of attention, and the nature of the gift, the circumstances of its presentation, the frequency, or the estimated value do not raise suspicions of an attempt to influence the employee's attitude or are not a thank you for a decision made. The rules also provide for the acceptance of collective gifts, the value of which does not exceed 50 euros. The basis for such regulation is the need to separate symbolic gratitude from situations where a gift could create a risk of a conflict of interest. An employee may accept flowers and souvenirs if the donor's intention is a sign of attention, and their nature (the circumstances of presentation, frequency, or estimated value) does not raise suspicions of an attempt to influence the employee's attitude or is not a thank you for a decision made. The Riga municipality indicates that the rules for accepting gifts establish limitations and exceptions in accepting gifts, as well as procedures for handling received gifts and monitoring compliance with the rules. The issue of gifting teachers often sparks discussions, especially with the approach of Christmas, graduation, or the end of the school year. Some parents believe that a small gift for a teacher is a simple way to express gratitude for their work, while others believe that even for symbolic gifts, clear boundaries should be established. Regarding the new rules from the Riga municipality, a discussion has already erupted on social media. One woman writes: “Today I learned that the state city of Riga has adopted rules regarding the acceptance of gifts by its employees, which also apply to teachers. This is fantastic. Finally!! Now mothers with an irresistible desire to give gifts to teachers on every holiday and for any occasion can sit quietly and remain silent. Gifts can be flowers, souvenirs, and collective gifts worth up to 50 euros.” However, not everyone is thrilled with the changes. One commenter expresses confusion about why such a procedure is even necessary: “I’m neither for nor against. But I don’t understand the point of this rule? Why should I, as an adult, be protected by a ban (!) from a situation that I can resolve with two words: ‘I’m not participating’? And as a parent — if you don’t want to ‘chip in’ — don’t chip in, and as a teacher — just say that expensive gifts should not be given. It turns out that the state city is addressing the basic inability of its employees and residents to set boundaries?” In turn, another woman takes the new rules humorously, writing: “As if some teacher is going to declare that gift card for 200 euros…” Some participants in the discussion also point out that the limit of 50 euros is not something extraordinary. “That’s quite enough! How much should we give then?” asks one commenter. Another ironically points out a situation that could have occurred earlier: “Yes, because we, parents, a few years ago, had to ‘chip in’ for a big television as a gift for the kindergarten graduation.” Comments also remind that the cost of a gift does not always have to be high for it to be pleasant. Meanwhile, another commenter suggests a completely different approach: “It’s not a problem, but when it reaches extremes — that’s too much. It could also be legislated that playgrounds shouldn’t be built with our own funds, no need to buy new ones. Okay, paint, nails…
