Mičerevskis has previously pointed out in the Latvian Television program “Viens vs viens” Jaunups’ possible interests in the field of waste, construction sector and that the circle of supporters related to Jaunups in business may coincide with some decisions made by the government, the Saeima.
Asked whether the fact that Mičerevskis is right in the “pass case” shows that he is also right about the influence of Jaunups, Jaunups replied to LETA that Mičerevskis hereby says that the majority of the Saeima and the government are incapable or dishonest. “I think this is absurd,” stressed the board member of the AP and LA.
Responding to what the former party member said, Jaunups also emphasizes that he usually does not comment on “ordinary lies and purposeful inventions” and does not engage in speculation, but this time he does so exceptionally. The politician points out that he works on the board of both the party association and the LA, and if their agenda includes issues such as gambling regulation, spouse law or tax policy, the entire board discusses and decides on the formulation of the association and party policy.
“That’s the way it is and it’s logical. The fact that my position is pro-business is also clear. I’m a liberal and right-wing politician with a fairly strict opinion system, unlike populists and those who are always looking for popular positions like many in politics,” emphasizes Jaunups. .
Mičerevskis also asked in a Twitter post whether Jaunups and Pūce had discussed the issue of gambling in a narrow circle before any of the Saeima votes in connection with this sector.
In his reply, the board member of the HR and LA pointed out that in the “normal daily work of the party” topicalities and positions can be discussed with colleagues individually. At the same time, Jaunups emphasized that decisions are made “only” in the board.
Asked whether there is an inappropriate influence of the gambling lobby with regard to AP and whether it is related and manifested through himself, Jaunups stated that the connection of the gambling business with LA is a myth that is purposefully maintained by the party’s competitors.
“We are in favor of tighter and more age-appropriate regulation in this area,” the politician said, referring to the HR’s previous proposals on gambling regulation. At the same time, the party alliance is against populism, which calls for a ban on everything, thus driving the sector into the illegal market, explained the board member of the HR and LA.
Commenting on another question raised by Mičerevskis about the supporters of the basketball club “VEF Rīga”, Jaunups emphasized that he had already answered this question several times. The politician points out that the management of “VEF Rīga” does not receive a salary and the club has only a sports function. The politician emphasizes that everything regarding the operation of the club is transparent, but in Latvia, as a small country, a company working in the field of peer supervision can also be a supporter of VEF.
“And there is nothing special or suspicious. But on the condition that the goal is not just to wake up and get caught,” emphasizes Jaunups, noting that for two months now he has not held any positions in “VEF Rīga” and is not involved in the daily work of the club at all.
The politician also accuses Mitcherevsky of “purposefully reproducing false rumors by AP’s rivals in an attempt to discredit us as an organization.” Jaunups emphasizes that with regard to the party association, there is a political connection that the stronger the organization, the more it is attacked and, in this case, slandered.
As reported, Pūce resigned from the position of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development after publicly lied that he had not used or seriously asked the party members to provide him with a parking permit for a deputy of the Riga City Council.
Before that, Pūce’s former party member Mičerevskis had announced that Pūce had asked him to provide a parking pass for a deputy of the Riga City Council, but Pūce justified that it was just a joke.
The next day, however, Pūce admitted that it was not a joke, and that he had lied and thus made a mistake, for which he is now ashamed. “I sincerely apologize for my actions and I sincerely regret it. I have made a mistake in the parking lot of Riga municipality, I have really made a very unsuccessful choice. I have misled my colleagues and the Latvian society,” Pūce said when announcing his resignation.
Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (JV) has called on the HR to nominate a new candidate for the post of Minister.
