Riga Deputies Prove That in the Capital You Can't Drive, Speak, or Shoot

While in Liepāja we pride ourselves that our tram runs on tracks and drivers know where the brakes are, the capital's deputies this autumn are demonstrating surprising creativity in fulfilling their duties.

Artūrs Butāns from "National Alliance" proved that a STOP sign is just a suggestion to him, not a command. Perhaps he thought it was in English and meant "Start To Obviously Perplex." Meanwhile, Dāvis Mārtiņš Daugavietis and Zane Skujiņa-Rubena from "New Unity" proved that road signs are merely decorative landscape elements.

"Well, here in Karosta we also have our own driving traditions, but at least we don't know what speeding is because there's nowhere to rush," comments local tram driver Jānis. "But there in Riga, it seems they think roads are just like politics — without rules."

Jeļena Kļaviņa particularly stood out, who was fined for not using the state language. Apparently the deputy thought that in the Saeima you can speak any language, possibly even Esperanto or Klingon. Didzis Šmits, meanwhile, proved that arms circulation isn't just words — he had problems with a gas weapon. Maybe he thought it was a perfume spray?

But the biggest hit — Maija Armaņeva, who chose her life partner as her deputy assistant. A hundred euro fine for entrusting work to her housemate — well, at least she knows the job will be done with love! In Liepāja we call that family business, but in Riga, apparently, it's a conflict of interest.