The most realistic outcome of the private flights scandal involving former Latvian PM and current Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš would be his dismissal, but should have happened some time ago. In this case New Unity would be in a much better position than it is right now, said politologist and public relations specialist Filips Rajevskis in an interview to Latvijas Radio.
According to him, this scandal has reached its culmination multiple times already, giving New Unity an opportunity to resolve it. However, the political party still hasn’t done it. The entire weight of responsibility in this scandal is put on PM Evika Siliņa, who will need to decide whether or not to request Kariņš’s dismissal. The alternative is saying everything is fine and letting him remain in his post. In the other case Siliņa would take co-responsibility for his actions, which would not be politically sound in the long-term perspective. This is why Rajevskis believes Kariņš will have to step down.
“Honestly, it seemed to me from the start of the scandal that the most realistic scenario to end the scandal, to finally remove it from the government’s agenda and to make sure it does not overshadow the government’s work, would be Kariņš’s dismissal. Only there are multiple ways – whether the PM requests it or the person apologizes and leaves on his own. Had it happened in December, we would have seen completely different ratings, a completely different picture when looking at the European Parliament elections,” says the politologist.
He admits the image and reputation of New Unity was also hurt by the possible envelope wage payment scandal. Both of these problems have to be addressed, because otherwise it will be almost impossible for the government to function
and the PM will not be able to speak about anything, because sooner or later journalists will ask her one of these sensitive questions.
At the same time, the politologist also said the government’s stability is especially affected by the current situation, because the number of votes in the parliament plays the decisive role.
“This can have a tangible effect on the government’s stability directly through Unity’s own internal problems,” explained Rajevskis, adding that coalition partners – Union of Greens and Farmers and Progressive Party – do not care at all who sits in ministries under New Unity as long as they remain in the government.
The politologist also predicts Kariņš’s chances of entering the European Parliament are very low, as New Unity member and European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has the best chances out of all. If New Unity does secure a seat, it will likely go to Sandra Kalniete.
PM Siliņa plans to meet with Kariņš today to discuss the situation and the private flights scandal.
There are rumours that the private flights scandal may cost Kariņš his post as Minister of Foreign Affairs, according to unofficial information available to LETA.
Unity board members interviewed by LETA said they completely rely on the judgement of the prime minister when it comes to Kariņš’s future in politics.
As previously reported, the Prosecutor General’s Office has submitted to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau a criminal procedure regarding possible waste of state budget money on private flights used for then the Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš’s foreign missions, as LETA was informed by the prosecution office.
Also read: Saeima secretary suggests minister Krišjānis Kariņš should find courage and step down
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