Solvita Aboltina

Political party Unity’s leader and the 11th Saeima Speaker Solvita Aboltina got hold of the top level post thanks to the association under influence of Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs – the Greens and Farmers Union (GFU). Back when Aboltina was the 10th Saeima Speaker, she allegedly paid a visit to Lembergs’ luxurious property in the Latvian district of Puze.

The so-called “Lembergs’ estate” is an impressive fenced property located about 30 km from Ventspils. Aboltina is said to have visited Puze with the car assigned to her as the Saima Speaker, several sources told the portal Pietiek.

Besides, she was accompanied by security guards, whose car was not admitted and had to wait outside on Ventspils highway.

On the one hand, Aboltina’s visit can indeed be seen as part of political bargaining, but usually meetings with Ventspils Mayor take place in Riga. In addition, often a less known face is sent to coordinate a common standpoint. On the other hand, this meeting is most likely a sign of friendship between the two, as Lembergs is believed to invite only “people who receive his special attention.”

Via her spokeswoman Gunda Reire Aboltina denies any Pietiek information about her visit to Lembergs’ property. Asked whether Aboltina as the Saeima Speaker has ever visited Lembergs’ home, Reire texted: “Solvita Aboltina has never been to Aivars Lembergs’ property in Puze.”

Meanwhile, several sources close to the party Unity told the portal that Aboltina is indeed close with Lembergs. To some extent, it can even be seen as Unity‘s “misfortune.” Besides, Aboltina’s close ties with Lembergs and willingness to agree on a number of politically important parliamentary votes is said to be irritating certain Unity politicians and board members.

Aboltina’s “cordial” relationship with Lembergs presumably blossomed after Valdis Dombrovskis was first appointed Prime Minister back in March 2009. The very core of the coalition was then formed by New Era Party (Jaunais laiks) and the GFU.

BNN already reported, in exchange for the GFU’s support in May 17 parliamentary vote on adopting the EU fiscal treaty, Unity allegedly promised to slow down amendments to The Criminal Law. The particular law amendments would mean a “death sentence” to GFU’s “master” Aivars Lembergs. His accusers in Latvia would be able to obtain evidence, which he has given in London court – on the actual value of his assets.

Ref: 102.105.105.1467