Saeima to review grounds for granting Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Vishwanathan
The Saeima's Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee will consider a deputy's request to verify the facts behind granting Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kanan Vishwanathan. Her education and scientific publications have been questioned on social media.
The Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, will assess a request from a deputy asking for the facts to be checked regarding the granting of Latvian citizenship to Indian national and scientist Divya Kanan Vishwanathan. The issue has become prominent because the decision has already been taken, while doubts about its basis have emerged among the public.
How the decision was made
The Saeima approved the decision to grant Vishwanathan citizenship last Thursday. The matter was handled under the urgency procedure, which means accelerated consideration, and the vote showed broad consensus.
Debate on social media
Over the weekend, wide-ranging discussions unfolded on social media. Participants questioned both the education Vishwanathan has obtained and her scientific publications. The source does not specify which particular claims were made or whether they have been confirmed.
The president's role
Because the law was adopted under the urgency procedure and with such broad consensus, the President of Latvia cannot refuse to promulgate it. This means the president currently has no way to halt the decision, and the next step is the review of the matter by the Saeima committee.
