Einars Repse

The advertisements released by the For Latvia’s Development association in which Einars Repse talks about the association’s ideas, have activated discussions in regard to his position in the political party.

The former Prime Minister, Finance Minister and founder of New Time Einars Repse is still a member of Unity. This fact has initiated discussions about whether or not expenses for the advertisements can be considered the party’s pre-election expenses. Repse declined to reveal the amount and origin of the money spent by the association on advertisements, saying that the law has no such requirements to non-governmental organizations. Meanwhile, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (CPCB) has turned to both Harmony Centre (HC) and Unity, which has initiated discussions about Repse’s removal from the party, Latvian Radio and LTV internet news portal report.

Unity‘s Saeima faction Deputy Manager Lolita Cigane said that the Political Parties Financing Law clearly states – this is not Unity‘s campaign: “Unity never received any donations in regard to such campaigns. The carrying out of such a campaign was never coordinated with Unity’s Board. We have no information on whoever is financing this campaign. If the CPCB believes this is part of a pre-election campaign, the bureau should assess this as a third party pre-election campaign. The bureau should also assess whether or not this advertisement has exceeded the allowed 3 000 LVL.”

Cigane said it is time for Repse to leave Unity.

The party’s Chairwoman Solvita Aboltina said one year ago that there is not reason to remove Repse and Jaunups from the party. However, she admits that the current situation seems more like sitting on two chairs. “There was a completely different situation one year ago. Now Mr Repse has publicly declared that he will most likely be participating in the next elections not as a member of Unity. I have always thought of Mr Repse as a highly professional and honest politician. In our conversation, when he mentioned his intention to found such an association, he understood very well that, given the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, a person cannot be in two political parties at once.”

Einars Repse says he is confused by the statements of representatives from Harmony Centre and Unity. “And this is why, I believe, we will meet with the Board of Unity this week and reach an appropriate solution,” – he said. He does not exclude the possibility that the two parties will need to cooperate in the near future. This is why a solution should be sought in a friendly atmosphere.

BNN previously reported that, based on the information provided by different sources, it can be concluded that Repse’s new party is likely to target Unity and other right wing parties, calling to economically active residents and trying to convince them that Latvia’s political life requires a new approach in order to achieve a good level of welfare – something current politicians are unable to offer, according to the association.

Among Repse’s supporters are: official of Riga City Council Edgars Jaunups, manager of the Latvian Non-Banking Creditors Association Baiba Fromane and the former supporters of Unity – millionaires Valery Belokon, Donat Vaitaitis and Olaf Berkis.

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