Other events in Baltic States

By the end of January, Culture Minister of Latvia Helena Demakova (People's Party) plans to decide on whether or not to cease active participation in politics for some while and to resign from her position due to health condition, as the Culture Ministry's spokeswoman Dace Vizule informed LETA.

In a press release, Demakova notifies that medical expertise has established that she has a rheumatic condition. The doctors say the disease is currently in an acute phase and further consultations with experts are needed to decide on the further medical treatment, as well as on the possible type and date of a surgery.

"The illness aggravated rapidly after I suffered a physical trauma in October last year, however, at that time, I did not pay attention to it," Demakova writes, adding that the disease is not "life-threatening", however, it will be necessary to undergo serious medical treatment and a surgery.

In the course of the next three weeks, Demakova will meet medical experts in Latvia and abroad to receive consultation on further course of treatment. After the doctors announce their decision, Demakova will resolve if the necessary treatment, which could take up to several months, will allow her to stay in the culture minister's position, she writes in the press release.

"Currently there is around 50% possibility that I will have to take a break from active participation in politics for a few months," the minister explains.

Demakova hopes to have more clues about further course of the treatment by the end of January, thus, this is when she will decide on whether or not to continue serving as minister of culture also further on. Demakova plans to announce her decision to the public on February 2.

As reported, the Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis (Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way) has demanded explanations about the multi-million contract for the construction of the Riga Concert Hall and already now doubts further implementation of the project.

The Minister of Culture Demakova, who is responsible for the project, did not attend the government meeting on Tuesday due to health condition, therefore Godmanis demanded a written explanation about the project from the head of the state agency Jaunie tris brali, Zigurds Magone.

"I have a lot to say about the Riga Concert Hall project, which has been widely discussed over the last few days, however, these unfortunate events have made my participation in the political discussion impossible," Demakova writes, apologizing to the Latvian intelligentsia and cultural leaders for her absence from the discussion.