As of the 25th of January Saeima deputy Aleksandrs Kiršteins is no longer a member of the National Alliance (NA) political party, as confirmed by the party’s chairman Raivis Dzintars.
He told LETA that Kiršteins has submitted his decision to leave the party. Future cooperation between him and the party in the Saeima will be organised on the 29th of January.
“After yesterday’s meeting in the faction it because clear our roads have split. We will still discuss future cooperation in the Saeima. This is an issue for another day,” said the NA leader.
As previously reported, multiple Saeima deputies that are members of the committee for the cooperation with the Chinese parliament have recently visited China. The delegation was led by Saeima deputy Ainārs Šlesers, who publicly said the trip was paid for by the Chinese government. Two members of the National Alliance – Aleksandrs Kiršteins and Edmunds Teirumnieks – went on this trip as well.
Previously, Saeima assistant secretary Jānis Grasbergs told LTV programme Panorāma that it would not be possible to excuse the absence of Saeima deputies who left on a trip to China. Instead, participating factions should have submitted separate applications to the Saeima for approval. He also said the National Alliance is unlikely to approve its members’ visit to China.
Grasbergs added that members of the National Alliance will likely have to submit an application for an unpaid vacation.
Latvian Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) intends to look into the information regarding Saeima deputies’ recent visit to China.
Also read: Latvian KNAB to look into Saeima deputies’ “all expenses paid” visit to China
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Latvian National Alliance member quits after questionable visit to China
