Luzhkov Case - An Opportunity We Missed

Former Mayor of Moscow City Yury Luzhkov has applied to Latvian authorities for a permanent residence permit - a situation Latvia could use as a tool to promote its image within Russia, but unfortunately Latvian leadership failed to seize this opportunity.

The Amendments to the Immigration Law or What is All About

In July 2010, the Parliament of Latvia adopted several amendments to the Immigration Law thus broadening the eligibility criteria for obtaining a temporary residential permit. According to the new version of the law a foreigner has the right to request a temporary residence permit:

·         for a period of time not exceeding five years, if he or she has invested in the equity capital of the capital company at least LVL 25 000 and during a financial year the capital company pays in total in the budget of the State and self-government as taxes at least LVL20 000;

 ·         for a period of time not exceeding five years, if he or she has acquired in the Republic of Latvia and he or she owns one or several immovable properties in Riga, Riga planning region or cities, the total amount of transactions of which is at least LVL 100 000, one or several immovable properties outside Riga, Riga planning region or cities, the total amount of transactions of which is at least LVL 50 000, as well as in the case, if he or she does not have and never has had debts of payments of immovable property tax and the payment of the amount of transactions has been performed by clearing; and

 ·         for a period of time not exceeding five years, if he or she has made financial investments in the credit institution of the Republic of Latvia in the amount of at least LVL 200 000 in the form of subordinated capital (subordinated loan or subordinated bonds) of a credit institution, if the term of such transaction is not less than five years and in accordance with the deposit provisions it may not be terminated prior to the term of repayment of the deposit.

According to the news reports, Yury Luzhkov has invested to the subordinated capital of Rietumu banka LVL 200 000 – a minimal sum required by the law to apply for a temporary residence permit. Latvia media reported that Luzhkov is going to move to Latvia for living, but it has been obvious that the reason was more broader in scope - “freedom of movement” around Europe. The emotional reaction of Latvian authorities has indicated the lack of strategic vision and has exposed problems in internal communication which is not a surprise for those who closely follow Latvian politics.

Luzhkov –   A Reaction

Yury Luzhkov is a notorious figure for Latvian politicians due to his critical attitude towards Latvia and support of the introduction of Russian as the second state language. His last visit to Riga in capacity of Mayor of Moscow in August 2010 was completely ignored by the Latvian government (he was invited by the head of the Riga City Council) which was a clear signal that he was unwelcomed guest on the Latvian soil.

The Interior Minister Linda Murniece (“Unity”), was quick to react saying to the Russian News Agency that Yury Luzhkov did not deserve a temporary residence permit due to his negative attitude towards Latvia. She indicated also that most probably he will not get a permit. “As a minister, I have a right to make this decision if this question is not resolved other way around,” said Murniece. The Defence Minister Artis Pabriks (“Unity”) was of a different opinion saying to journalist that it would not be a tragedy if Luzhkov is granted a temporary residence permit in Latvia and that he has all the rights to apply for it according to the law. However, the security authorities have started to investigate the nature of the capital invested by Luzhkov trying to find legal basis to refuse in granting a temporary residence permit. One day later former Mayor of Moscow was included into the so-called “black list” and was banned to enter Latvia.

An Opportunity We Missed

A situation when Defence Minister comments on events which are in the area of responsibility of Foreign Minister or where Foreign Minister is expected to voice his opinion has already become a normal situation in Latvia. Moreover, Defence Minister has been appointed by the Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (“Unity”) as a coordinator of the Latvian EU presidency in 2015. This logic easily explains us the “internal kitchen” of Latvian leadership, but this is not the theme of my post today.

The difference in opinion of two ministers indicated two things

1.       Lack of internal communication. In order to avoid any collisions in opinion and to show integrity of Latvian leadership, before coming out with her comments the Interior Minister had to discuss Latvian position in this case with Foreign Minister or even with Prime Minister. You can question the necessity of this step as Yury Luzhkov does not occupy any political position in Russia anymore, but the fact that this case attracted media attention in Russia shows us that we had to use this opportunity to promote Latvia’s image in Russia;
2.       Absence of strategic approach towards Russia. The remarks of Interior Minister were based on emotions and lacked strategic vision. Instead, Latvian politicians had to come out with a statement that they are glad to see Mr. Luzhkov reconsidering his mind on Latvia - a country where he could stay for living. Yes, 10 days later security authorities could announce that he is not even allowed to enter the country. But at least it would not have been viewed as a decision made by one person and based on emotions and maybe personal dislike. The Defence Minister Pabriks being a wise diplomat was very cautions in his comments, and , I think, he understood that this opportunity could be used in Latvian interests and be a part of a strategy towards Russia.

In his last annual phone-in session with citizens of Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin mentioned that the living conditions in Russia are better that in Latvia or Romania. I am not surprised that many Russian people really believe in that thinking that Latvia is a poor fascist country. Therefore Latvian leadership should use any opportunity in its “information war” with Russia in order to break stereotypes and promote Latvia’s positive image in Russia. So far only the Riga City Council and a couple of NGOs have been active in this regard. 

Video: Tourists from Russia Meet New Year in Riga