Ex-con Rubiks to run again for EU Parliament seat

RIGA - The leader of the Latvian Socialist Party and Soviet sympathizer Alfreds Rubiks has decided to run again for a second-term and represent Latvia in the European Parliament elections. In an interview with Latvian Radio, Rubiks said that he previously had his doubts about running again, but he is confident now and in good health, reports LETA. “I have the energy to work for another term in the European Parliament,” Rubiks said.

Assessing his chances of being elected to the next European Parliament, Rubiks said that he believes he has a very good chance. “I have run in many elections in the past, and have been elected in all of them. I do not want to brag, but this is how it has been,” he said.

Rubiks was elected from the Harmony Center ticket in the previous European Parliament elections, but now will most likely be running separately.

He was the leader of the Latvian Communist Party in 1991 and opposed Latvia’s independence from the Soviet Union. The communist Rubiks then attempted to overthrow the legitimate government of Latvia that, following the nation’s will, had restored independence.

Latvian courts subsequently convicted Rubiks of attempting to overthrow the democratic government and sentenced him to eight years in prison. He was released in 1997.