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Advisors accused of lobbying as coalition talks begin

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As Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs works to form a new government, his advisors are facing accusations from the Progressive party of lobbying for 'golden visas' and residency permits for foreigners. Speculation is also circulating regarding potential ministerial appointments, with names like Edvards Smiltēns and Raimonds Vējonis mentioned for specific roles.

Meanwhile, new details have emerged in the controversial citizenship grant to Divja Višvanata, with Pietiek publishing the full declassified stenogram of the Saeima Citizenship, Migration and Public Cohesion Commission's October 14th meeting. The scandal has also shaken the Latvian Academy of Sciences, prompting an investigation.

In other news, Toms Platacis, the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit, announced his departure as of December 11th, stating that Latvia has become a model country in combating money laundering. A fatal four-car collision occurred in Riga, and police are investigating a disputed 1200 Euro fine and driving ban issued by an unidentified police officer.

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Prime Minister's Advisors Accused of 'Golden Visa' Lobbying Amid Coalition Talks

As Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs engages in coalition talks to form a new government, his advisors are facing accusations from the Progressive party of lobbying for 'golden visas' and residency permits for foreigners. Speculation is also circulating regarding potential ministerial appointments, with Edvards Smiltēns, the Minister of Justice, and Raimonds Vējonis, the President of the Latvian Basketball Association, mentioned for specific roles in the upcoming government. Kulbergs has also…

Declassified Stenogram Reveals Details of Controversial Citizenship Grant

New details have emerged in the controversial citizenship grant to Divja Višvanata, with Pietiek publishing the full declassified stenogram of the Saeima Citizenship, Migration and Public Cohesion Commission's October 14th meeting, detailing the arguments behind the decision. The scandal, which saw Višvanata's citizenship urgently granted and then revoked, is now shaking the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LZA) and prompting an investigation into potential violations.

Head of Financial Intelligence Unit Announces Departure

Toms Platacis, the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FID), has announced his decision to leave his position as of December 11th, explaining that Latvia has become a model country in combating money laundering.

One Dead in Four-Car Collision in Riga

A tragic four-car collision occurred in Riga on Darzciema Street, resulting in one fatality. Police have initiated a criminal investigation into the incident.

Saeima Continues Work on Ukrainian Civilian Support Law and Environmental Fund…

The Saeima has supported historic amendments to the Law on Support for Ukrainian Civilians in its first reading, aiming to open the way for Ukrainian war refugees to Latvia. Additionally, plans are underway to urgently adopt amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection Fund, which the 'Green and Farmers' Union' claims will prevent the state from purchasing its own assets. Daiga Mieriņa, the Speaker of the Saeima, also delivered a speech concluding the work of the 14th Saeima. [cite…

Various Domestic Issues Reported Across Latvia

Reports include an investigative report exploring why a person named Anna was not protected from ongoing childhood sexual abuse, a disputed 1200 Euro fine and five-year driving ban issued by a police officer who did not identify himself or provide video evidence, a rise in Riga's heating tariff taking effect in December, an examination of the prevalence of debt among Latvian residents, and accusations of unethical reporting against the TV show 'Aizliegtais paņēmiens'. [cite: Delfi, Pietiek…