Club 21 (also the club “Europe - 21st Century”) is a Latvian public organization that laid the foundation for the formation of political parties after the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia de jure and combines the elite of politics, business and creative intelligentsia to develop concepts of the state structure and development of Latvia as independent state in the 21st century. It is also considered the founder of political lobbyism in modern LR. [one]
Content
Idea and Founders
The idea of the club was brought from France by deputies of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania Indulis Berzins and Imant Daudish , where they met with a similar organization of their French colleagues. The organizers of the club were Berzins and his fellow member of the Popular Front faction in the Supreme Council Janis Krumins . In December 1991, the press published the wish of “Have a successful and rich new year!”, Which was signed by politicians, writers and athletes in the amount of 21 people (this is one version of the club’s name).
The constituent documents of the club, officially named Europa 21, were signed by 63 people in February 1992, 20 of which were deputies of the Supreme Council. Large entrepreneurs have already appeared on this list. Jānis Krumins was elected President of the club, Valdis Birkavs , Vice-Speaker of the Supreme Council, Vladimir Kulik , President of the Riga Commercial Bank, and Juris Podnieks, documentary director, were elected Vice Presidents.
Forerunner of Political Lobbyism
Explaining the reasons for the creation of the club, its president Janis Krumins, in an interview with the Tev newspaper on December 6, 1993, explained that the Supreme Council “made more and more stupid decisions and laws, so business people who needed the most rash decisions of politicians most needed an opportunity influence decisions. ” In the same newspaper, the deputy of the armed forces, Janis Škapars, stated that the goal of the club was a question of power.
It is logical that people of art in this structure were almost not needed and disappeared from the club first. Then, the Latvian Way pre-election association, created in the bowels of the club, won the elections to the 5th Saeima. According to his list, 17 deputies - members of the club, out of a total of 100 people, were elected to parliament, which restored the structure of the Sejm of the Republic of Latvia in accordance with the 1922 Constitution . 6 members of the club became ministers in the government of Valdis Birkavs, one of the founders of the club, Sergey Antsupov, headed the press service of the government.
Completion
Since the center of influence moved from the club to the Latvian Way party after the elections to the 5th Saeima, the club itself lost its significance.
On December 16, 1994, at a general meeting, the issue of terminating the club’s activities was considered, but they decided to leave it, but in fact it didn’t conduct any activities.
On February 2, 1996, an attempt was made to restore the club and attract fresh blood, but it was unsuccessful [1] .
Club founders [1]
Martins Arnitis, Helmut Balderis , Indulis Berzins, Valdis Birkavs , Leons Briedis, Janis Krumins, Vladimir Kulik, Sigmars Liepins , Imant Daudis, Olafs Pulks , Artis Bute, Imant Liegis, Igor Shuvises Birisse, Rodis Maris Valis Belisse, Marijas Valisse Biris, Valis Belisse , Rodis , , Janis Bremer, Vitaly Gavrilov , Andris Gutmanis , Vladimir Khodakovsky , Gunars Slavinskis, Aivars Borovkovs, Edvins Inkens , Viesturs Koziols , Arvils Asheradens , League Krapane, Evgeny Shikhman, Ivars Kirsons, Sergey Antsupovsk Alakha , Girt , Alexander Petropavlovskaya , Leonid Esterkin, Dzintra Pededze, Karina Petersone, Andris Piebalgs, Uldis Paget, Janis Rosenthals, Ojars Rubenis, Adolf Sadauskis, Druvis Skulte , Janis Shipkewitz , Martins Virsis, Valdis Ziemenisis, Yardis Unisunis, Ariis Yodisnis, Arys Janis Krievs.
Other Club Members [1]
Vilnis Baltinsh , Egils Levits , Ivars Bars, Alfred Chepanis , Rights Chernes, Helena Demakova , Aivars Endzins , Aigars Freimanis , Janis Gavars, Maris Graudins, Victor Kalnberz , Imant Kalnins , Ojars Kehrisgins Grins , Ilmar , Ilze Jurkane, Juris Carlsons, Eusts Carlsons, Vilis Krishtopans , Julius Krumins , Janis Kisis, Georg Lansmanis, Slava Lerner, Myra Mora, Martins Perts, Pavel Stabnikov, Arkady Talalaevsky, Georges Tikmersla, Vaissa Ylisma Vodyslaysa Vodysnya Vodysnayla Vaydisla Vaydisla Vaydisa Lajnisa, Vaishnitsa Lai Sanderson, Yani Ūdris, Juris Žagars , Janis Stradins , Janis Gobins.
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 Niklass, Alexander. Club 21: life after death . Business & Baltic. Latvia arhiv.bb.lv (January 29, 1996). Date of treatment July 18, 2019.