Morozov told Latvian Television that 12 years ago, when he joined the party, he saw that it could build a united society, but for the last two years he has not been able to find compromises. According to him, “Saskaņa” cannot be a unifying force capable of creating a single political nation from all Latvian residents.
He admitted that there had previously been talk about his possible political activities in Latgale and cooperation with the mayor of Daugavpils, Andrejas Elksnini, who plans to found a new party. There has also been a version about Morozov’s possible running in the Rēzekne council elections with the first number.
However, after that, in the “Saskaņa” party, it was decided to promote him in the Riga city council elections as a candidate for the position of mayor of Riga. Therefore, Morozov is said to have worked only in this direction.
For now, he has not decided on joining a party, including not having decided on joining Elksniņas’ future party. “There is no such party and I have not received an offer either,” said Morozov.
He admitted that he highly values Elksniņš’s activities in Latgale, and that their cooperation so far has been successful.
The head of the “Saskaņa” faction of the Riga City Council, Andrejs Kameneckis, admitted to the LETA agency that he had not spoken with Morozov, therefore he cannot comment on the information that has come out.
He pointed out that Morozov’s withdrawal from the party does not mean his automatic exclusion from the faction of the Riga City Council. The politician emphasized that there are several examples when non-party deputies work in factions of the Riga City Council.
Morozov, on the other hand, stated that he is ready to support the “Saskaņa” faction of the Riga City Council in matters where his and the faction’s opinions coincide. However, if his opinion is different, he will vote differently than “Sakania”. Therefore, it is likely that he will become an independent deputy.
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news! Today we have a special guest, an expert in Latvian politics, Dr. Anna Skudra, who will help us unpack the recent developments within the “Saskaņa” party and its implications for Riga’s political landscape. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Skudra.
Dr. Anna Skudra: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. As reported, Morozov has expressed some disillusionment with the “Saskaņa” party. He originally joined with hopes of uniting society but has struggled to find common ground over the past two years. What do you think has contributed to this lack of compromise within the party?
Dr. Anna Skudra: That’s a great question. The “Saskaņa” party has historically positioned itself as a bridge between different communities in Latvia, particularly between Latvian Russians and Latvians. However, in recent years, the party has faced increasing fragmentation, partly due to external pressures, such as Russia’s geopolitical actions and internal divisions over strategy and ideology. Morozov’s struggle reflects a broader trend in which many political entities find it hard to maintain unity amid polarized sentiments.
Interviewer: Interesting. He also mentioned that there had been discussions about his potential political activities in Latgale and possibly collaborating with the mayor of Daugavpils. Why do you think these local gatherings are important to him at this stage in his career?
Dr. Anna Skudra: Local politics provide a crucial platform for creating real change, especially in regions like Latgale, which often feel neglected at the national level. By engaging with local leaders and constituencies, Morozov could be positioning himself as a grassroots candidate who understands the specific challenges faced by residents there. It also allows him to build alliances, should he decide to branch out of the “Saskaņa” party.
Interviewer: Speaking of branching out, there have been rumors of Morozov potentially running for mayor of Riga instead. How do you assess this shift in focus toward a significant urban center like Riga?
Dr. Anna Skudra: Moving to a prominent role such as the mayor of Riga reflects both ambition and a strategic pivot. Riga is not just the capital but also the political and economic heart of Latvia. If Morozov can successfully position himself as a candidate who can bring diverse groups together in such a critical city, it would enhance his visibility and influence significantly. However, it is also a high-stakes arena, as Riga’s mayoral race is steeped in competitive dynamics.
Interviewer: You noted that Morozov has not yet committed to joining another party. What does this indecision suggest about the current political climate in Latvia, particularly for new or emerging parties?
Dr. Anna Skudra: Morozov’s hesitation to join another party indicates a cautious approach in a rapidly evolving political landscape. With the rise of new political entities and a changing electorate, aligning with a more recently established party could be risky. It suggests that he may be weighing his options carefully, looking for an opportunity that promises stability and a clear platform, rather than jumping into a potentially turbulent situation.
Interviewer: Dr. Skudra, with the upcoming Riga city council elections, what should voters be looking for in candidates, especially someone like Morozov who has a complex background?
Dr. Anna Skudra: Voters should prioritize transparency and the ability to unite rather than divide. They should look for candidates who can articulate clear policies that address the multifaceted needs of Riga’s diverse population. It’s also essential for candidates to demonstrate genuine commitment to dialogue and collaboration across different community lines. Morozov has a chance to showcase his capacity for leadership, but he must also prove that he can transcend the challenges that have fractured the “Saskaņa” party.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Skudra, for your insights today. The dynamics of Latvian politics are certainly intricate, and it will be fascinating to see how they unfold in the coming months.
Dr. Anna Skudra: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on the political landscape of Latvia and beyond, only here on Time.news!