Scrutiny of Foreign Minister’s Past and Concerns Over Sanctions Policy
Recent weeks have seen renewed scrutiny of Latvian Foreign Minister,Baiba Braze,initiated by opposition members of the Saeima. The focus stemmed from a social media post by the minister that prompted questions from Edward Smilten of the “Combined List” regarding her early career. Smilten inquired about Braze’s omission of work experience with a youth institution linked to the former Komsomol from her CV, specifically questioning whether she held a leadership position related to language.
At a meeting of the Saeima request Commission, Smilten acknowledged Braze’s responses to the inquiry as partially satisfactory. Members of Braze’s party expressed concern that the request was a purposeful attempt to discredit her, and suggested the “United List” may be acting on behalf of Russian oligarchs. Braze herself did not attend the meeting, but was defended by Inga Berzina (“New Unity”), the head of the commission.
Berzina characterized Braze’s written response as emotional,but understandable given the nature of the questions,and raised concerns about the timing and motivation behind the inquiry. Smilten countered that the questioning was justified,arguing that in the current geopolitical climate,it is crucial to ensure senior officials are not vulnerable to blackmail.
However, not all members of the “Joint List” who initially signed the request to the Foreign Minister were willing to elaborate on the significance of the CV discrepancies.
Edgars Tavars, leader of the “Joint List” Saeima faction, expressed dissatisfaction with braze’s performance, citing her recent meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister as an example. He dismissed suggestions that their inquiries were part of a discrediting campaign, reaffirming the “Joint List’s” support for maintaining sanctions.
The debate coincides with discussions surrounding potential changes to sanctions against Russian businessman Petr Aven. An argument frequently raised in favor of removing Aven from the sanctions list is the potential for his investment in the Latvian economy.
Fragments of a SKDS questionnaire, circulating on social media platform “X”, asked respondents whether Aven should be removed from sanctions in exchange for investment. The full results of this study have not been made public.”Ir” magazine reported this week that Aven’s spokesperson had offered to refinance airBaltic bonds.
Aven has been actively cultivating a public image as a supporter of Latvian culture and events. He attended a Latvian-Czech basketball game in early September, seated near President Edgars Rinkēvičs and the Foreign Minister. While Rinkēvičs’ spokesperson confirmed Aven’s presence,they stated no conversation took place. The Latvian Basketball Union confirmed that Aven did not receive an invitation and likely purchased a ticket costing between 500-1500 euros. Aven’s spokesperson stated he was invited by a billionaire and his wife to support the team.
