A pair of possible Presidents, and the voice of the people

Take note – story published 8 years ago

On May 26, the joint American, Danish, Irish, Norwegian and Swedish Chambers of Commerce in Latvia hosted a discussion in English about the upcoming decision to select a new Latvian President.

Two of the four declared candidates participated, giving a brief pitch then taking questions from the audience. 

First was Martins Bondars of the Latvian Regional Alliance party who said the country needed to pay more attention to its national security and who topped an online poll in which 13,000 participated, attracting 5,000 supporters.

He told LSM why he wants to be installed in Riga Castle and why he believes he has a chance despite the widespread perception that he doesn't.

Martins Bondars on his Presidential bid
00:00 / 02:03
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The other contender, Egils Levits, nominated by the National Alliance political grouping was at pains to explain the precise constitutional role of the president during his talk.

"His role is to be the intellectual leader of the nation. He can influence poltiics mostly with arguments not with real decisions," Levits said.

LSM also managed to corner him for brief comments as he left the discussion to ask why he wanted to be President.

Egils Levits on why he wants to be President
00:00 / 00:37
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Parliament will vote on the candidates - in secret - next week on June 3 with support from 51 out of 100 deputies required to carry the day.

Also taking center stage at the presidential debate was Madara Peipina who has helped organize the www.mansprezidents.lv online poll to gauge the public's real view of the whole thing.

On election morning itself she plans to present a list of all votes cast to Saeima deputies to show them that democratic accountability should be part of the process of selecting a president.

Madara Peipina on Mansprezidents.lv
00:00 / 03:50
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