Latvia, Legislation

He said that a legal decision will be made in regards to this matter.

Gerhards told members of the press that the Rigas Satiksme scandal has gained a very negative reaction from the public, and that such corrupt processes have been taking place at the city council for quite a while, but nothing has been done to tackle the problem.

Gerhards said that the ministry's legal experts are looking into what can be done. ''One one hand the city council is capable of working, while on the other - is it capable of functioning in accordance with rule of law,'' he said, adding that any official, including ministers, must be able to work in accordance with the law.

Asked whether he will propose the dissolution of the Riga City Council, Gerhards answered the he will continue to closely follow along the situation and consult with ministry specialists to determine the responsibility of Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs (Harmony) or the city council.

As reported, during a party congress yesterday, delegates from the National Alliance tasked Regional Development and Environmental Protection Minister Kaspars Gerhards to put forward a bill to government to dissolve the Riga City Council.

Former Regional Development and Environmental Protection Minister Einars Cilinskis (National Alliance) made the proposal, pointing out to the rapid corruption in the Riga City Council.

Cilinskis said that since Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs (Harmomy) and one of Latvia's so-called oligarchs Ainars Slesers have taken control of the Riga City Council, rapid corruption has been observed. He also pointed out to Usakovs' decision long ago to dissolve the Riga City Council's Anti Corruption Committee.

''The seeds of corruption planted by Usakovs and Slesers are now coming to fruit,'' Cilinskis said before party members approved to proposal.