Latvian Academy of Sciences Faces Criticism Over President Kalviņš's Backing of Indian Citizen's Citizenship Bid

Discontent is growing within the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the country's professional body of scientists, over the conduct of its president, Ivars Kalviņš. He has actively campaigned for Latvian citizenship to be granted to Indian national Divya Vishwanath. His stance has not won unanimous support inside the Academy.

Criticism from an Academy member

Vjačeslavs Kaščejevs, a physicist, University of Latvia professor and full member of the Academy, believes Kalviņš should step down. In his view, the president's actions have damaged trust in the institution. Kaščejevs accuses Kalviņš of presenting a personal recommendation for an Indian citizen of questionable reputation as the position of the entire Academy, thereby harming the standing of science.

He describes the situation as the deepest crisis in the Academy's history. Kaščejevs says the best course would be for the president to accept moral and political responsibility for the consequences and resign. He declined to comment on Kalviņš's motives, but said he radically disagrees with the president's belief that everything was done correctly.

In the near future, a demand is planned for an independent investigative commission, along with the convening of a general assembly of the Academy to decide on expressing no confidence in the president.

The Presidium's position

The television channel 360TV Ziņas asked Kalviņš whether, given the criticism and the vote in the Saeima (Latvia's parliament), he is considering resigning. No reply was received within three hours before the news broadcast began.

Meanwhile, after an extraordinary session of its Presidium held on Thursday, the Academy stated that Kalviņš acted within his authority when recommending that Vishwanath be granted Latvian citizenship. The Presidium says the letter of recommendation was prepared in good faith, based on information provided to Kalviņš. The Academy also stressed that it stands for the rule of law, the protection of national security interests and academic integrity.