Riga City Council Ethics Committee Won't Evaluate Vice Mayor Ratnieks' 'Monkey' Remark

The Riga City Council Ethics Committee has declined to take up the matter concerning Vice Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) and his use of the word 'monkeys' when referring to immigrants. Committee chairwoman Lauma Paegļkalna (New Unity) announced that the majority of the committee voted against accepting the issue for review.

Paegļkalna stated that her personal opinion remains unchanged – she believes Ratnieks' remark should be evaluated – but she respects the majority's decision.

The controversy arose after a video circulated on Twitter allegedly showing an immigrant sexually harassing a woman. Ratnieks commented on the video, using the slur 'monkeys'. Subsequently, the State Police announced that the criminal investigation into the alleged harassment had been closed, and authorities will assess whether the public was misled.