Ex-president can't be bothered

Aug 01, 2008
In association with BNS

RIGA - Former Latvian president Guntis Ulmanis has set a notable example to his fellow citizens of the importance of the democratic process and constitution by saying he probably can't be bothered to vote in the national referendum to be held August 2nd.

"This referendum is a result of incapability of politicians and it has no meaning," Ulmanis told BNS on July 31st.

Ulmanis added that he has little information about the referendum, and clearly hasn't gone to any particular trouble to find out.

Asked if he was likely to exercise his democratic rights, the first president after the restoration of a free Latvia after 50 years of Soviet occupation said the chances were: "More no than yes. I still have two days to decide."

A referendum on constitutional amendments that would allow people to initiate dissolution of the parliament, will be held on Saturday. Incumbent Latvian President Valdis Zatlers and ex-president Vaira Vike-Freiberga have both confirmed that they will participate in the vote - even if it is a nice sunny day.


 E-mail this article   Print this article  

MORE NEWS

Former minister pleads not guilty to bribery
President undergoes surgery
Vilnius woman fined for selling Soviet symbols
Paet calls on EU to block visa talks with Russia
Chief prosecutor in Vilnius attacked
Ministers shoot down clean payments for security police
School quarantined following poisoning
Lithuanian police make major smuggling bust
Estonia to prosecute war criminals
Latvian police skip work en masse