RIGA 's Embattled Latvian parliametary speaker Indulis Emsis will not step down from his position after all 's depsite indicating last week that he probably would in order to clear his name.
Emsis is currently embroiled in a bizarre scandal involving the theft of a briefcase full of cash belonging to the parliamentary speaker and former prime minister.
He reported the theft of the case - from the building used to host cabinet meetings 's to police, claiming that it contained 10,000 dollars in cash. When the briefcase was discovered in the possession of a waiter, it was found to contain only 6,500 dollars. Emsis reportedly then changed his original statement to say that in fact the case had only contained 6,500 dollars from the start.
Emsis, a leading member of the Greens and Farmers Union political party (ZZS), claimed that the cash was being loaned to him by an acquaintance in order that he could buy a new tractor.
Such are the established facts of the case, but they merely serve to raise a whole host of questions concerning the affair. First, why did Emsis change his statement? Second, was the money really to be used to buy farmyard machinery? Even if it was, wouldn't any halfway competent politician realise that walking around with a bagful of cash might place him in a compromising position? Finally, is someone capable of forgetting that he has thousands of dollars in cash with him really the sort of person who should be helping to run the country?
The Latvian Prosecutor General's office is investigating the episode amid suspicions that Emsis may have been attempting to avoid paying tax on his new tractor and that he misled police. Predictably, rumors also circulated linking Emsis with the ongoing trial of former Ventspils mayor Aivars Lembergs, a fellow party member facing bribery and corruption charges.
As parliamentary speaker Emsis enjoys immunity from prosecution. Last week he indicated that he would likely be prepared to step aside from that role in order to clear his name.
"I have to act... I cannot remain in such an unclear position," he was quoted as saying. "Before the prosecutor's office has come up with its explanation, a shadow of suspicion is cast on me, and I am not able to work."
However, following a Sep. 3 meeting with the board of the Greens and Farmers Union, Emsis seemed less keen to expose himself to immediate legal scrutiny and decided he could continue to work, after all.
While maintaining his innocence and competence, Emsis nevertheless decided to suspend his activities in the foreign policy sphere, while complaining about "the shadow of suspicions" being "circulated by mass media again and again."
ZZS chairman Augusts Brigmanis told the press the board meeting decided Emsis should remain in his position and his resignation was "not necessary at all." Brigmanis added that the prosecutor's office should "come up with total clarity" as soon as possible.
"Pressure has been put on him [Emsis], he is emotionally dependant on his group," said sociologist Aigars Freimanis.
The Prosecutor General's office is expected to rule soon on what, if any, charges Emsis will face, and may ask parliament to revoke his immunity if he refuses to resign.
All of which leaves Emsis looking like he is, at best, ridiculously naïve and certainly that he seems unable to make a definitive statement on anything, from the amount of money in his briefcase to his willingness to stand aside.
