Rīga Vice-Mayor stays in office after confidence motion

25 Riga City Councillors from Harmony, the Latvian Russian Union, Progressives and two independent members - Jakovs Pliners and Andris Morozovs - voted for her dismissal from the post of Riga City Council President.

26 councilors from the coalition factions New Unity, National Alliance/Latvian Regions Union, For the Development of Latvia and Code for Riga voted against Ozola's dismissal. Independent MPs Laima Geikina (For) and Ivars Drulle (For) also supported Ozola's stay in office.

Coalition partners Honor Serving Riga did not take part in the vote.

31 councilors would have had to vote in favor of her dismissal.

The request for Ozola's dismissal had been submitted by the Progressives faction of the council.

According to the faction, Ozola's dismissal is necessary to use the municipality's resources more efficiently and wisely, especially in view of the difficult budget planning period. The post of 'Vice Mayor' (which in effect is 'deputy mayor' rather than 'co-mayor') costs the municipality around 130,000 euros per year. In addition, the Committee on Security, Order, and Prevention of Corruption also performs these functions, according to the Progressives.