LZA Senate Finds No Evidence of Deliberate Breach of Authority by Kalviņš

The Senate of the Latvian Academy of Sciences has not found evidence that its president, Ivars Kalviņš, deliberately violated his authority by recommending Latvian citizenship to Indian citizen Divya Vishwanath. However, this action has created reputational risks for the academy. The Senate points to the need to improve the academy's internal procedures and communication, according to the LZA Senate's responses to the LETA agency.

The Senate plans to clarify how recommendations are made on behalf of the academy and will decide on the establishment of a working group to improve processes. The need to enhance decision-making and encourage the involvement of younger members is also emphasized.

Meanwhile, Kalviņš has expressed a desire to resign from his position, and this issue will be decided on November 26. The Saeima previously adopted and later revoked a decision to grant citizenship to Vishwanath, considering public doubts about her qualifications.

The LZA has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Education and Science to evaluate the academy's legal status and governance model, respecting academic autonomy.

As reported, at the end of October, Kalviņš issued an open letter to the public and the media, stating that he is considering leaving his position in connection with the situation regarding his recommendation for granting Latvian citizenship to Indian citizen Divya Vishwanath.

Later, he announced that he had approached the LZA Senate with a request to be removed from the position of LZA president. The decision on Kalviņš's removal from office will be made at the LZA autumn general meeting on November 26.

On October 15, the Saeima adopted a law granting citizenship to Vishwanath, but on October 22, it adopted a law revoking the previous decision due to public doubts about her education, scientific publications, and the justification for granting citizenship.