Einars Repše
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| Einars Repše | |
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| In office November 7, 2002 – March 9, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Andris Bērziņš |
| Succeeded by | Indulis Emsis |
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| Born | December 9, 1961 Jelgava, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Political party | New Era Party |
Einars Repše (born December 9, 1961 in Jelgava, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union) is a Latvian politician.
Einars Repše graduated from Latvia State University (now known as University of Latvia) in 1986 with a degree in physics (specialisation - radio electronics). He first entered politics in 1988 as one of the founders of Latvian National Independence Movement (LNNK), a political organization promoting Latvia's independence from Soviet Union. He was elected to the parliament of Latvia in 1990.
From 1991 to 2001, Repše was the president of the Bank of Latvia (Latvia's central bank). During this period, he oversaw the introduction of Latvian rublis, Latvia's temporary transition currency, and the Lats, independent Latvia's new currency. Under Repše, Bank of Latvia pursued a tight monetary policy, implementing a de-facto currency board for the Lats. As a result, the exchange rate of the lat has been stable since early 1990s till now. The success of Lats made Repše very popular in Latvia.
In 2001, Repše resigned from the Bank of Latvia to return to politics. He founded New Era Party, a Populist anti-corruption party. After 2002 elections, Repše became the Prime Minister of Latvia in November 2002. He led a coalition of his own New Era Party, the Latvia's First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and For Fatherland and Freedom. Repše's government became known for an outspoken fight against corruption and tax evasion. Several high-ranked government officials, including the head of Latvia's state revenue service, were fired or resigned. The anti-corruption measures resulted in some success, as the revenues from the gasoline tax, previously notorious for tax evasion, increased by 30% in one year. The revenues from the other taxes, however, were not significantly different, compared to the previous governments, and some of the anti-corruption measures backfired (for example, some of fired officials successfully sued the Latvian government for wrongful dismissal). Repše's government also implemented a tight control on budget expenses, reducing the budget deficit from 3% of GDP in 2002 to 1.8% in 2003.
Starting from September 2003, a conflict between Repše and Latvia First Party, one of his coalition partners became apparent. Repše blamed the conflict on vested interests resisting his anti-corruption plans. The coalition partners mentioned Repše's authoritarian management style as the main reason for the conflict. Repše's government became a minority administration in January 2004 after the Latvia First Party left the government. He and his cabinet resigned in February 2004. After being in opposition during Indulis Emsis government, New Era Party joined the Aigars Kalvītis coalition government in December 2004, with Repše became the minister of defense. Unfortunately, during his service, he was more involved in his hobbies of flying (on his own helicopter) and business, than in governmental activities, losing popularity among electorate.
In 2003, Repše bought real estate at various locations in rural Latvia for a total of 323 718 lats (approx. 500 000 euros). His real estate purchases were funded by loans from two Latvian banks, Hansabanka and Nord/LB Latvia. Repše's opponents immediately questioned his real estate deals, claiming that Repše has used his position to obtain loans on conditions better than those available to general public. His deals were investigated by a special committee of the Latvian parliament. In December 2005, a criminal investigation was started by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB). Due to this investigation, Repše resigned from his position as the minister of defense.
It has been also found that Repše's party gained significant funds from Georgijs Krupņikovs and Valērijs Belokoņs, two well known Latvian businessmen, evaporating any illusions on his independence from "oligarchs" he always has fought for.
Repše's questionable real estate deals, confrontational management style and flamboyant lifestyle lead to a major decline in his popularity. In 1999 and 2000, Repše was one of the most trusted politicians in Latvia, with 75%-80% Latvians having a positive opinion of him. By the time of his resignation in 2005, he was the least popular minister in the Latvian government.
He is also widely known by an unfriendly nickname Marsietis (Latvian for Martian) due to his extraordinary looks and inability to communicate.
As to his hobbies, he is known to be interested in flying, aircraft building, and painting.
| Preceded by Andris Bērziņš |
Prime Minister of Latvia November 7, 2002 – March 9, 2004 |
Succeeded by Indulis Emsis |
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