Editorial: human dignity, political responsibility

Photo: EPA

Over these past weeks, a lot – of necessity – has been spoken and written on resignation, on taking political responsibility. Always, the question will remain – when’s the cause and time right, for that. And: who is responsible, anyway? In some cases, it’s surely unavoidable. Yesterday, Latvian government stepped down due to the collapsed Maxima store in Riga claiming dozens of lives. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis thus accepting his share of the responsibility.

Stepping down must not necessarily mean guilt, something punishable by courts. Neither is it running from responsibility or a sign of weakness, as oft opined by politicasters. This is dignified human behaviour, in the given case no doubt carried by compassion.

A dozen years ago, as an old bridge collapsed to the death of over 70 people, Portuguese transport minister Jorge Coelho, responsible for roads and railways alike, took political responsibility. «I step down. It is no longer possible for me to work at this post,» were his parting words, at the press conference. There comes a moment when a statesman will feel responsibility. As a politician, but – above all – as a human.

Mr Dombrovskis, having already headed three governments, has for Latvia been a good prime minister. Largely thanks to his cabinet, our southern neighbours pulled out of recession. As proof of success of reforms, after considerable economic growth, this New Year Latvia switches to euro. And, even after an autumn not the easiest for the coalition, Latvian budget was confirmed.

A lot has been accomplished, so this is not changing horses half-way – as surely sensed by Prime Minister and the people alike – but, rather, the need for extra traction after a stage is finished. In his statement, the prime minister rather explicitly referred to the need of obtaining Saeima majority for the government, equalling trust and legitimacy. As told Postimees, yesterday, by political scientist Andres Kasekamp: perhaps stepping down was a bit too much; even so, in light of political logic, it can be understood. 

Constantly visible during the rescue works, the resigning Mr Dombrovskis highlights a contrast in domestic political culture. As Mayor of Riga and head of Harmony Centre, Nils Ušakovs might just as well admit to his responsibility for what happened at the shopping centre – construction activities directly subordinated, as they are, to city government.

The country, recovering from a severe shock, badly needs a feeling of security. Hopefully, the Latvian president Andris Bērziņš will succeed in promptly securing all necessary agreements between political powers, so a new government might inject some stability into the society.