Direct Speech, Latvia, Legislation

A year has passed since the decree, and politicians and Saeima are regaining public trust, emphasized Zatlers. Even though this support is still very low, it is nevertheless twice as high as a year ago, writes LETA.

The politician pointed out that decree No. 2 has also left a positive international impression. Before dissolving the 10th Saeima, Latvia was seen as a country ruled by three oligarchs. His decision confirmed internationally that Latvia wais ready for changes, noted Zatlers.

Commenting Saeima Speaker Solvita Aboltina's (Unity) statement that the decree No. 2 has left people disappointed, Zatlers explained that this was a very difficult year for Unity and added that before his motion to disband the 10th Saeima, Unity was growing increasingly dependent on the Greens/Farmers Union and Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs.

The decree No. 2 has allowed Unity to pursue those values that the party's politicians were not able to do for ten years, said Zatlers.

In the interview, Zatlers also criticized Pasazieru vilciens train procurement issues, particularly the appointment of the company's new board.

As reported, on May 28, 2011, then-President Zatlers announced his move to dissolve the 10th Saeima. He said that his decision was due to discord between the parliament and the legal system, as clearly seen when the Saeima voted against allowing the Corruption Prevention Bureau to search the residence of MP and one of Latvia's so-called oligarchs, Ainars Slesers.