Following the relevant conclusions of the State Audit Office regarding the so-called forestry industry case, it would be logical to demand the resignation of Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze (Union of Greens and Farmers), stated the leader of the parliamentary faction of the "Progressives" Andris Shuvaev at a press conference on Monday.
He expressed the opinion that there may be other reasons for the actions of Prime Minister Evika Silina ("New Unity"), who is undermining her government. "In the case of the embezzlement of 50 million euros involving the forestry industry, the prosecutor's office has already initiated a criminal process, to which the prime minister has not reacted at all and did not demand the resignation of Minister Krauze, but on the contrary, tried to protect him," said Shuvaev.
He noted that on Wednesday, the State Audit Office's audit report on the forestry industry case will be made public, which may contain many new facts. "If there are specific points of responsibility, it is logical that we will also have questions," said Shuvaev in response to a question about the demand for Krauze's resignation.
He denied that the State Audit Office's audit is the reason why the "Progressives" want to meet with the prime minister on Wednesday, rather than discuss cooperation issues at today's coalition party meeting. As Shuvaev pointed out, faction meetings usually take place on Wednesdays, and he does not control when the State Audit Office announces the results of audits.
As Shuvaev reported earlier, an official invitation for the prime minister to attend the faction meeting is planned to be sent soon, to discuss the current situation and issues related to the government's work on Wednesday.
At the same time, Shuvaev stated that given the events of recent days, the "Progressives" do not see Silina as capable of responsibly leading the government. Therefore, the party wants to hear the prime minister's explanations regarding the decisions made and communication within the coalition.
Shuvaev criticized Silina's actions regarding the demand for the resignation of Minister of Defense Andris Sprudins ("Progressives"), pointing out that the party was not informed in advance about this decision and learned about it only shortly before the public announcement.
The "Progressives" hope that the upcoming meeting with the prime minister will clarify further actions and the prospects for the government's work.
