Culture, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

The premier's decision is supported by Unity's board.

Saeima Speaker Solvita Aboltina (Unity) points out that Jaunzeme-Grende's inability to cooperate with the culture sector is already a sufficient reason for the minister's resignation.

According to the coalition's agreement, the next culture minister must be nominated by VL-TB/LNNK, which is responsible for the culture sector.

As reported, Dombrovskis had a meeting with Jaunzeme-Grende yesterday concerning the "opera scandal" and Jaunzeme-Grende's conduct thereof. This morning, the culture minister's decision to sack the Latvian National Opera's longtime head Andrejs Zagars was discussed at the Unity board's meeting.

Dombrovskis made no request for Jaunzeme-Grende to step down at their meeting yesterday. As she herself informed the press, there was no talk of her resigning and she "has no intention of doing so."

Zagars was served a document on Wednesday, informing him of his release from the company. The Culture Ministry explained that Zagars has been released due to loss of trust in him. Taking into account his artistic successes and [17-year] experience at LNO in establishing international contacts and cooperation, management has the right to offer him a job where he would be valuable in LNO's future development.