Coalition Partners Will Not Support Opposition's Bid to Dismiss Riga Mayor Kleinbergs
Riga City Council coalition parties have stated they will not support the opposition's proposal to dismiss Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs. As a result, the opposition will lack the necessary votes at the upcoming council meeting on July 8.
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Coalition partners in the Riga City Council have announced they will not back the opposition faction "Latvija pirmajā vietā" (LPV) in its attempt to remove Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs (P) from office. LPV submitted the dismissal request, citing the situation at the Riga Central Market's Meat Pavilion as evidence of long-term mismanagement and the mayor's failure to respond appropriately.
Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) stated that as long as the coalition agreement remains in force, the National Alliance will not support opposition proposals. Similarly, Deputy Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis (New Unity) said his party will not support Kleinbergs' removal and sees no possibility of forming another coalition during this council term. Deputy Mayor Māris Sprindžuks (United List) also confirmed support for Kleinbergs, suggesting the issue is motivated by upcoming elections.
With the coalition holding 34 out of 60 seats, LPV's motion lacks sufficient backing. Earlier, the council rejected a proposal to dismiss the management of "Rīgas nami" following an emergency meeting. However, several "Rīgas nami" officials had already resigned. The State Building Control Bureau banned further use of the Meat Pavilion due to safety concerns. Mayor Kleinbergs ordered the executive director to review the actions of "Rīgas nami" management. Meat traders have been relocated to temporary spots, with plans to move them to the former Root Pavilion next year.


