Signature frenzy

Signature drives seem to be the trend of the year so far in Latvia. A mere few days after the end of the signature drive to recall the Saiema, Latvian citizens now have the chance to sign on to another one. A signature drive in support of amending Latvia's law on pensions began April 16.

By gathering 11,989 signatures,  two parties, (Pensioners and Seniors Party, and The Association for a Different Political and JudicialState) started the intiative for the amendment increasing the minimum monthly state pension to at least three times the state welfare payment, around 45 Lats a month.

Currently the state pension is about 1 time the welfare payment. Should enough signatures be gathered, the amendment will be turned into the Saeima for consideration. If the Saeima rejects the amendment, a referendum will be held.

In order for a successful signature drive, 10 percent of voters (who participated in the last parliamentary election) must sign the initiative.

The signature drive runs through May 15, according to the Central Election Commission in RÄ«ga.

In Latvia, 622 locations will be open for citizens to sign on to the initiative.

But the signature frenzy doesn't stop there.

According to LETA news service, today, political opposition parties and independent deputies have gathered the necessary number of signatures to demand the resignation of Minister for Special Assignments for Electronic Government Affairs Ina Gudele .

"This clearly shows how easy it is to destroy a politician. Gudele, who had a birthday party [at the expense of the Ministry's budget], did not even participate in planning the event. Now she will have to make a decision herself," Brigmanis said, emphasizing that the party will definitely defend her.

Gudele said after the controversy that she had considered stepping down, but changed her mind after the board of the Union of Greens and Farmers told her that she would have to continue as minister. Gudele paid the "seminar's" costs, LVL 790, to the State Treasury.

Saeima will decide on Gudele in the next plenary session next week.