Latvia proposes ban on property purchases by Russian and Belarusian citizens
Illustrative photo: Latvia wants to ban Russians and Belarusians from buying real estate (Getty Images)
In Latvia, a draft law has been submitted to the Saeima to restrict transactions that pose a threat to national security. The proposal includes a ban on property purchases by Russian and Belarusian citizens, Delfi reports.
The bill was initiated by the New Unity parliamentary faction. Its goal is to prevent harmful and dangerous activities that threaten state interests and to block attempts to bypass sanctions.
The proposed legislation applies not only to individuals from Russia and Belarus but also to legal entities established in these countries, as well as those whose ultimate beneficiaries are citizens of these countries.
The restrictions will not apply to individuals who have obtained EU permanent resident status or a permanent residence permit in Latvia under the Immigration Law.
"In the context of hybrid warfare, to protect a democratic state governed by the rule of law and strengthen the security of our country, it is necessary to include the necessary tools in the legal regulation. We are taking preventive action to eliminate any opportunities for interference by Russia and Belarus in our internal affairs," explained Lauma Paegļkalna, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.
Latvia's Ministry of Internal Affairs also plans to amend the National Security Law. The amendments would prohibit Russian and Belarusian citizens from holding positions in critical infrastructure management.
