Latvia Saeima elections feature former PM candidates and accused individuals

The upcoming Saeima elections in Latvia feature several prominent figures who have previously campaigned for the position of Prime Minister. At least ten candidates appearing on various party lists were either former prime ministerial contenders or led their respective party lists in previous election cycles. Notable figures include Uģis Mitrevics of the National Alliance, Ainārs Šlesers of Latvia First, and Arigo Toro of the Gobzema List.

An investigation by LTV’s “De facto” revealed that nearly two-thirds of the 14 submitted election lists include candidates facing criminal charges or accusations. The party “Latvija pirmajā vietā” (LPV) has the highest number of accused candidates, including leader Ainārs Šlesers, who faces charges related to a digital television case. Other candidates face allegations ranging from fraud and abuse of office to document forgery and inciting ethnic hatred.

Specific cases include Aleksandrs Bartaševičs regarding the “Rēzekne SPA” case, Aivars Kraps for large-scale fraud, and Juris Jakovins, a Saeima deputy found guilty of document forgery in the first instance. Additionally, Aleksejs Rosļikovs of the “Stabilitātei!” party is currently in Belarus to avoid court proceedings regarding charges of inciting national and ethnic hatred.