Krauze says Lembergs being put forward by ''the people'' as a PM candidate

RIGA - The Union  of Greens and Farmers (Greens/Farmers) has put forward Aivars Lembergs, convicted of several serious crimes, as its PM candidate due to his popularity, the co-chairman of the Greens/Farmers told LETA.

When making the choice in favor of Lembergs as a candidate for the position of prime minister, the Greens/Farmers have listened to the ''opinion of residents''.

"Several polls, starting from October of last year, clearly show that Lembergs is recognized as the most suitable for the position of prime minister," clainmed the politician. "I would even say that it is not Greens/Farmers, but the people who are pushing for Lembergs as a candidate for prime minister."

When asked about Lembergs' chances of succeeding in office if he were to become PM, given that he is still on the list of US sanctions, Krauze replied that foreign countries have no right to influence the ''free will of the Latvian people''.

"We have the Constitution, Latvia is an independent country and the people of Latvia do not have to submit to foreign pressure," said the parliamentarian.

Speaking about the parties with which the Greens/Farmers would be ready to work together in the, 14th Saeima, the politician said that they are generally open to most parties and do not draw "red lines" against other political forces.

However, the Greens/Farmers does not see opportunities to cooperate with those parties that support war and show sympathy for Russia's current actions. 

"I can say quite clearly that we have nothing in common with the Latvian Union of Russians and we have to see what the rhetoric of the other parties will be," the politician noted.

As reported, Lembergs was tried for massive graft, money laundering, abuse of his official powers and other crimes. In February 2021, the Riga Regional Court slapped a five-year jail term, confiscation of property and a EUR 20,000 fine on Lembergs.