Analyst: Brēmanis may stage loud, social-media-focused actions in Saeima
Political communication researcher Mārtiņš Pričins says Rūdolfs Brēmanis, who failed to win a Saeima deputy speaker post, may continue emotional activity aimed at social media. He notes that conduct in parliament is governed by the Rules of Procedure.
Rūdolfs Brēmanis, a member of the Latvian parliament (Saeima) from the alliance "Sovereign Power/United Latvians" (SV/AJ), did not win majority support for the post of deputy speaker. Political communication researcher Mārtiņš Pričins told the portal Jauns.lv that, now in opposition, the politician may stage loud activities designed for social media.
The vote for the posts
On Tuesday, the Saeima elected former President Raimonds Vējonis (AS) and Ināra Mūrniece (NA) as deputies to Speaker Edvards Smiltēns (AS). Vjačeslavs Stepaņenko (SV/AJ) and Brēmanis were also nominated, but neither gained majority backing.
Brēmanis's nomination drew questions because in spring he publicly shouted and behaved aggressively at an alumni reunion of Riga secondary schools, held on 6 March at the VEF Culture Palace. In addition, prosecutors have charged him with abuse of official position, fraud and large-scale misappropriation while he worked at the Latvian embassy in the United Arab Emirates. Prosecutors say that between 2013 and 2016 he defrauded and misappropriated state funds totalling more than 102,721 euros.
The researcher's assessment
Pričins explained that each party may nominate its own candidates for posts. Whether Brēmanis will behave provocatively in parliament remains to be seen, but the Rules of Procedure set the limits and provide for penalties, and the Ethics Committee can examine cases. He said deputies have previously been penalised for words and verbal attacks.
The researcher acknowledged that Brēmanis is known for scandals, yet his activities, such as collecting signatures in residential districts, should not be underestimated. In his view, some voters see the alliance as one of their own because it does practical things and is not overly formal. People vote for SV/AJ both for its defence of the language and for issues important to municipalities, and sometimes it is a protest vote.
Pričins expects Brēmanis to speak emotionally and republish recordings on social media, where they spread well. In his view, the coalition must reckon with this, as SV/AJ will be in opposition. Asked about a possible presidential bid, he said parties usually put forward their own candidate, but whether it will be Brēmanis remains to be seen.
