Several Latvian parliamentarians have traveled to China with the support of Beijing’s portfolio and this visit raises more and more questions in the country. The Latvian Anti-Corruption Bureau (KNAB) also promised to provide an assessment of the matter.
The head of the delegation, Ainars Šlesers (Latvia first and foremost), publicly announced that the trip was paid for by the Chinese government.
“All expenses of the Latvian delegation will be borne by the Chinese government. This mission will cost Latvian taxpayers zero euros,” Šlesers wrote on social media.
In total there are eight Latvian parliamentarians in China. Šleser said that he will be ready to answer questions when he returns from China. Five deputies belong to the first fraction of Latvia, two deputies belong to the National Union faction and one deputy belongs to the Stability Party! faction, LSM reported.
Latvian television found out that this is not an official mission, because no request was submitted to the Parliament, and therefore this trip was not approved. National Union MP Janis Grasbergs also commented on the deputies’ trip.
“I certainly do not support such a step, our group will probably never support it either, and it is also uncoordinated, because before the deputies had not asked the rest of the group if we agree. Because if we go on a plan visit some place, you have to ask for and write a statement of unpaid leave,” Grasbergs explained.
The MPs traveled to China with Beijing’s money at a time when the European Union (EU) wants to reduce risks linked to China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia announced that the country maintains constructive relations with China. The Ministry is not involved in organizing the visit of the deputies, it is an independent initiative.
“It is important that from 2022 Latvia suspended participation in the 16+1 cooperation format between China and 16 countries, mainly from Eastern Europe, the purpose of which was also to strengthen economic ties,” said Diana Eglite, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health. Foreign Affairs.
The Latvian Anti-Corruption Bureau (KNAB) is also aware of the deputies’ trip and has promised to provide an evaluation. The parliamentarians will return from China on January 23.
2024-01-16 09:26:00
latvian-authorities-investigate-parliamentarians-free-trip-to-china-foreign-country