Saturday 14 March 2009

Phew!

Another rich, Lithuanian Russian (or Russian Lithuanian?) was trying it for president. Without wishing to be racist, but Russians in Lithuania (Uspazkich - former economy minister and fugitive from Lithuania for reasons of corruption and under-the-table tax-free payments to his employees) or their associates (Paksas, a president impeached after one year for strange links to a Russian called Borisovas) are not generally good news for Lithuania.

This time Vladimir Romanov, owner of Ukio Bankas, and of Hearts Football Club in Edinburgh, tried it. Thankfully he failed, what with not having been born in Lithuania. No doubt he expected to get the job easily, by throwing some sweets at the people in the countryside.

But it seems that everyone who has a few bob has a try at becoming president here, like a few years ago the Australian/Lithuanian Piecaitis (who later had a spell in prison accused of some strange dealings involving icons - not sure if he got convicted or not).  Unfortunately this does not seem the prerogative of a small country, seeing as in Poland they elected Tweedle-dum(b?) and Tweedle-dee into their government some time ago.

I gather in Latvia and Estonia the president is elected by Parliament, not the populace - maybe it's time to consider that here?

No comments: