It is difficult to predict what Russia’s response to Latvia’s law on the takeover of the Moscow House in Riga into state ownership might be, said Raimonds Bergmanis (United List), chairman of the Saeima Committee on Defense, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention, in an interview with Latvian Radio.
Asked to predict Russia’s reaction, Bergmanis said that there could be a reaction, but that it was difficult to model because Russia was quite unpredictable. Commenting on the concerns expressed by Rietumu Banka about possible problems with its assets in Russia, the politician said that Latvia as a country has to protect its people and entrepreneurs, but at the same time they also have to think with which partners to work with, and it is quite clear that in recent years it has not been right to do business with Russia.
Asked whether the state could compensate Latvian businesses that have suffered from a potential Russian response, Bergmanis said that it was difficult for him to say, while pointing out that the ruling coalition partners have publicly promised to continue supporting the redirection of businesses towards Western markets. “What these paths are and what the exact actions will be, I cannot answer at the moment,” the MP added.
Bergmanis confirmed that two proposals had so far been received regarding the future of the Moscow House after it is nationalized, but the information at his disposal suggested that they might also be withdrawn. The politician also envisages selling the Moscow House and investing the proceeds in the reconstruction of Ukraine as one of the potential scenarios.
As reported, the Saeima Committee for Defense, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention will today consider a draft law on the transfer of the Moscow House to state ownership before its final reading.
Source: BNS
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