PM says Usakovs’ reproaches over “non-citizens’ referendum” are due to approaching elections

RIGA - Harmony Center leader Nils Usakovs' criticisms of Unity over the "non-citizens' referendum" are entirely due to the approaching municipal elections, because such accusations are completely unfounded, said Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity).

Unity tried to reduce the possibility of such a referendum, including by unpopular amendments that provided for increasing the number of signatures that must be collected for initiating a referendum, the premier told reporters after the ruling coalition council's meeting today.

However, the bill has been tossed back and forth from Saeima to President's Chancery and the other way round for quite a while now, noted Dombrovskis.

Dombrovskis also reminded that Unity had asked the Central Election Commission to evaluate if the amendments proposing automatic citizenship for all non-citizens are constitutional.

As reported, Usakovs does not support the signature drive to initiate a referendum on automatic citizenship for all non-citizens, and he will not participate if such a referendum goes forward, according to an announcement by Usakovs.

He added that Unity would also benefit from such a referendum, and that he does not wish to give this political party any advantages.