Survey shows over half of Latvians dont want Kasparov

Fifty eight percent of Latvian residents don't support granting Latvian citizenship to Russian chess legend and political activist Garry Kasparov, reports LETA.

The survey carried out by the TNS Latvia, a market, social and media research company and the LNT television channel  showed how 28 percent percent of Latvian residents believe that Kasparov should be granted Latvian citizenship. Those against the application are mostly Russian speakers, residents of Riga, as well as non-citizens. Meanwhile, Fourteen percent did not have an opinion on the matter, research showed.

Kasparov, a former world chess champion and fierce anti Putin political activist has applied for Latvian citizenship last month. 

The application has been filled out in Latvian with all relevant documents attached. Kasparovs representatives in Latvia hope to collect signatures from ten Saeima members to place his citizenship request on the pending agenda for Saeima review.

Kasparov has said that he would be willing to contribute to educational programme's in the country whilst he wold remain politically active. 

The Citizenship Law stipulates that a person who has rendered special meritorious service for the benefit of Latvia may be admitted to a Latvian citizenship by a decision of Saeima.