The head of the ministry decided not to waste time and budget money on a business trip related to the European Union.
The "friendly atmosphere" that prevails between the representatives of "New Unity" and the Union of Greens and Farmers is clearly evidenced by today's exchange at the Cabinet of Ministers meeting. Prime Minister Evika Silina, apparently already knowing that Minister of Welfare Reinis Uzulnieks (Union of Greens and Farmers) refused to fly to Luxembourg for the EU meeting on combating various forms of violence, including against sexual minorities, asked the head of the ministry why he decided to ignore the high-level event. To this, Reinis Uzulnieks candidly admitted that issues concerning the LGBT community are not a priority for him, so he decided to replace the trip to Luxembourg... with attending a youth conference in Jekabpils, where they will also discuss combating violence. The Prime Minister stated that it is actually the minister's duty to represent Latvia at EU meetings. Reinis Uzulnieks declared that his presence at this event is unnecessary, as the agenda only includes discussions and not the consideration of any EU legal acts.
It is noteworthy that at the EU meeting in Luxembourg, Latvia will be represented by third-tier officials, and not even by the Latvian ambassador to the EU, but by his deputy.
Let us remind you that relations between the politicians of "New Unity" and the "Green Farmers" have deteriorated after the latter supported the opposition's initiative for Latvia to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. Evika Silina directed her anger specifically at the head of the ministry, as his department is responsible for implementing the principles of the Istanbul Convention. Meanwhile, Reinis Uzulnieks does not hide his position - Latvia should withdraw from this convention.
