All About Latvia

RIGA – Those who follow Latvian politics closely no doubt are familiar with the name of Aivars Lembergs.

The surprisingly popular and allegedly corrupt mayor of the sea port of Ventspils serves a poster child for post-Soviet Latvia’s attitude toward politicians. He could be described as a benevolent businessman and politician, who while gains power and wealth by corrupt means tries to return the favor to the community.

Ventspils, which I endearingly call Lembergsville, has become the wealthiest city in Latvia under his rule. Lembergsville’s port facilities, used for exporting Russian oil contributed to the city’s wealth.

Lembergs is among the wealthiest people in Latvia. The true extent of his wealth is unknown to public. Local media estimate his wealth anywhere between 85 million to 230 million euro. Before his arrest, Lembergs maintained a strong influence in Latvian politics. He was a candidate for the post of Prime Minister from one of the parties, even though he didn’t run on any ballot.

In March, Lembergs was detained on money laundry, abuse of public office, and bribery charges. After spending several months in jail, so not to impede the investigation, a local judge moved him under a house arrest in his apartment in a multi-apartment building in Lembergsville. Loud cheers of a gathered crowd greeted the decision.

Lembergs is popular, you see, in spite of his corruption. One taxi driver summed up pretty well what most of the public feels about Lembergs. “Yes, he steals, everyone steals, but he helps a lot, too.”

To majority Latvians, it seems, what distinguishes him from the ruling clique in the likes of the PM Aivars Kalvitis and transportation minister Ainars Slesers is that Lembergs gives back a portion of his wealth. It’s no wonder Lembergs became the subject of a series of cynical posters with slogans like “Lembergs is not a Thief!”, “Lembergs cares for Our Children!”

Lembergs has also received more than 1,000 votes from the town’s residents to be nominated for the Big Prize, the equivalent of the Citizen of the Year award during the city’s 717th anniversary celebration. Apparently, he’s been nominated for the award every year for the last several years, but he declined each time. This year, because of the house arrest, Lembergs couldn’t decline the offer. And undoubtedly he will be awarded the prize Friday night.

The City Council members petitioned the prosecuting attorney’s office to allow Lembergs to attend the festivities and to receive this award. The office denied the request and the council members are now turning to the courts for an answer. Lembergs himself asked for his daily walk to be scheduled at the same time as the Friday night’s event. He also asked to speak to the public during that time.

Even the petition was written in a very Lemberg-esque way: “On my walk and being on the Center Square, of course, I won’t hamper the investigation in any way, and won’t affect witnesses and their testimonies.”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 1st, 2007 at 15.52 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.