Harmony political party has decided to expel Rezekne City Council chairman Aleksandrs Bartaševičs from its ranks. This decision was made by the party’s board on Monday, the 6th of February. The party accuses him of discrediting the party and statute violations.
Harmony leader Nils Ušakovs said Bartaševičs’ chosen communication style, confusing actions and unwillingness to participate in the party’s congress indicates an attempt to hurt the party, which is something the political organisations finds unacceptable.
The decision to expel Bartaševičs was made by the party’s board unanimously.
Previously Bartaševičs posted an invitation on social networks to boycott the party’s congress, reported false information about the congress and topics important to the party’s main directions, explained the party’s board.
When asked whether Bartaševičs’ expelling from the party could motivate other Latgale’s politicians to leave Harmony, Ušakovs said he currently has no information about any politicians who may leave the party.
«I don’t know what others who work with him are thinking,» said the party’s leader, adding that Bartaševičs’ work as chairman of Rezekne City Council depends on future political decisions, which remain unpredictable.
After the failure in the last Saeima elections, Harmony decided to entrust the party’s reins to three co-chairman: MEP Nils Ušakovs, former Saeima deputy Regīna Ločmele and Riga City Council deputy Andris Morozovs.
Before Harmony’s congress, Bartaševičs had also voiced criticisms of the party’s management. He then announced he would not be attending the congress. He also invited other members of the party to boycott the congress.
After the congress, Bartaševičs doubted the legitimacy of the decisions made there.
The invitation to boycott the congress was signed by Rezekne County organisation’s head Jekaterina Ivanova and Ludza County organisation’s leader Jevgenija Kušča.
With Bartaševičs out, Harmony has lost its last «power bastion», because even before the congress Mayor of Daugavpils Andrejs Elksniņš announced his decision to leave the party and form a new political force.
Also read: Harmony leader wishes Daugavpils mayor «good luck» with new party