The Ministry of Transport has failed to appoint its representative – Inguna Strautmane – to the Board of Ventspils Freeport. According to unofficial information, the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) had objections to her being reappointed to this post, as reported by LTV programme De Facto. Port entrepreneurs, too, had objections to Strautmane’s return. BNN asked the Chairman of ZZS Saeima faction Armands Krauze to explain his party’s position on this topic.
“For ZZS it is important that all sides involved are interested in development and work together to ensure that ports develop. It is clear that Ventspils Port, which has been under state management the last several years, is basically on the brink of collapse,” said Armands Krauze.
When asked what should be done to change this situation, the head of ZZS’ Saeima faction said it is necessary to establish constructive cooperation between entrepreneurs and the state.
“We cannot appoint people to port management if they do not have support from and cannot work with entrepreneurs. The state and municipal councils should manage the port in a way that would allow entrepreneurs run a business – to ensure the port generates turnover and brings profit to the state,” said Krauze.
He said entrepreneurs are the ones who generate profits, and their opinions should be heard. “We cannot afford to ignore the opinions of those who pay taxes, hire workers and promote employment. We have to listen to entrepreneurs”.