Wednesday, June 07, 2006

In the news

"Latvijai un Venstpilij", the local party of Ventspils city (which has been consistently getting 70%+ of vote in the city council elections) has decided to participiate in the October parliamentary election together with the nationwide Union of Farmers and Greens (Zalo un Zemnieku Savieniba). This was quite widely expected for a while. The rumors are that Aivars Lembergs, the leader of "Latvijai un Ventspilij", 16-year mayor of Ventspils (and, probably, one of 10 wealthiest people in Latvia) is thinking about becoming the Prime Minister. Officially, Lembergs is not yet confirmed as a candidate. But his name appears in the news more often then the confirmed candidates, his opponents are investigating his career at full speed and two journalists have just published a book accusing him in criminally abusing his power.

In other news, Linda Murniece of the oppositionary Jaunais Laiks (New Era) party has become the chairwoman of Anti-corruption Committee of the Latvian parliament. This may mean even more investigations for the Union of Farmers and Greens, Lembergs and everyone else around the current coalition government. "Everyone investigating everyone on corruption charges" seems to be the theme for this election campaign.

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