Latvia, Legislation

Baiba Broka

Broka explained that she was a responsible minister, aware that, in the coming months, the government would have to take several important decisions regarding the sale of "Citadele banka", various matters that concern "Latvijas Gaze" and others, and in order to participate in the government meetings where these matters will be reviewed, the justice minister must have access to classified information.

VL-TB/LNNK board member Imants Paradnieks said at the press conference that candidates for the soon-to-be vacant post of the justice minister would be considered tomorrow or on Wednesday.

Broka's is stepping down as Prosecutor General Eriks Kalnmeiers has upheld the Constitutional Protection Bureau's decision banning Broka from accessing classified information. Having no access to classified information does not mean that Broka may not serve as the justice minister, however, she cannot attend government meetings where classified matters are reviewed.

The Constitutional Protection Bureau has not revealed why Broka is not allowed to access classified information, however, the bureau's head Janis Maizitis said that there were serious reasons for the bureau's decision, and that Broka most probably knew very well why she was not permitted to access classified information.

Broka appealed the Constitutional Protection Bureau's decision to the prosecutor general at the end of June. She has also said that she will not run in the 12th Saeima elections this fall.

Broka will most probably turn to the European Court of Human Rights now, the minister's press secretary Inese Aunina said earlier today.