Lasmanis, the mayor of Jelgava region caught in a controversial video scandal, announces his resignation / Article

Lasmanis denied to Latvijas Radio that his resignation was related to the controversial video scandal.

“Deputies have demanded my resignation. During the time from the moment of the request until now, there have been various political negotiations, and the politicians have decided on regrouping, which will result in a new mayor,” said the former council chairman.

The statement to the media states that the deputies of Jelgava region have agreed on the creation of a new coalition and the election of a new mayor. In order not to delay the election of the new leader and the smooth work of the municipality, Lasmanis resigns from the position of chairman of the Jelgava regional council.

“I am pleased that the formation of the new coalition is based on the agreement on the reorganization of the central administration and administration of the municipality, which until now was sabotaged by the current executive director Līga Lonerte (Latvian Farmers Union), ensuring the legality of the activities of capital companies, as well as evaluating Lonerte’s suitability for the position,” Lasmanis said in the statement .

Already at the end of March, Lasmanis proposed to dismiss the executive director of the municipality after Lonerte and other deputies came out with a call to evaluate his actions during the live broadcast of the city council commission session. The recording of the session, in which Lasmanis participated remotely, shows apparently indecent touching of a woman sitting in the back.

In a statement to the media, Lasmanis expressed his suspicions about Lonerte’s possible criminal offense, violating his authority, handling public property and municipal financial resources, for which he will apply to the State Police, the Office for Prevention and Combating Corruption and the State Audit Office. “I have asked all institutions to evaluate whether Lonerte’s actions in connection with the illegally concluded and intentionally unterminated concession contract of SIA “Zemgales sevyns centrs”, as well as the failure to take over capital shares belonging to the municipality in the possession of the Jelgava County Council, are related to the responsibility for the possible uncontrolled use and waste of municipal funds to a significant extent .”

Without mentioning the situation, Lasmanis apologized to the residents of the county and the general public, who “have felt uncomfortable or offended in any way due to the situation. I will make every effort to restore my damaged reputation and regain trust”.

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