RIGA - Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs issued an open letter on Sept. 13 bemoaning the recent speculation surrounding his reportedly imminent move into national politics.
"On the one hand, I feel honored that even my hypothetical participation in the parliamentary elections has been perceived as the most important event in Latvia's political life, which for some people creates nervousness and excitement," the mayor of Ventspils wrote.
"On the other hand, as an individual, I can not stay indifferent toward the untruth and sometimes ridiculous interpretations the mass media have been spreading lately," he added.
The letter follows a string of announcements and moves that continue to give the chief of the port town a high public profile. Lembergs made a big show of his rubbing shoulders with New Democrats leader Maris Gulbis, a signal that the mayor was mulling over an alliance with the upstart party.
At the same time Lembergs' bemoaning the press seems disingenuous, since a number of Latvian language newspapers are controlled by Ventspils Nafta, the oil terminal operator that is controlled by Lembergs-friendly individuals. Some even believe that Lembergs owns large stakes in Ventspils Nafta and other business through offshore entities.
In the letter Lembergs also addressed some of the more striking allegations concerning his motivations for entering national politics. Namely, that he fears an ongoing investigation by Latvian authorities who have appealed to Swiss law enforcement officials for assistance. By grabbing a seat in Parliament, he would have immunity.
"This opinion is being repeated again and again, and the underlying hint is obvious 's Aivars Lembergs must be afraid of a trial and investigation. I want to calm down all the excited minds and reassure them that I do not need and never needed lawmaker's immunity in order to avoid something," the mayor stated.
Lembergs has also made headlines in recent days for his open call to bring Latvian troops home from Iraq. The call was backed days later by the Farmer's Union, a political party that Lembergs allegedly has close ties with and, according to member Ingrida Udre, has supported financially in the past.
Lembergs also raised eye-brows this week when he donated $10,000 to the flood-stricken city of New Orleans, which he visited in the past.
The city of Ventspils has benefited from its location - the final destination of a Russian oil pipeline - while reaping the rewards of transit fees, until the flow of oil was cut short a few years ago. Since that time, oil has continued to pass through the city, but only by rail, and revenues are reportedly suffering as a result.
