New NEPLP Member Remberga Rejects Criticism Over Her Appointment

Dita Remberga, the newly elected member of the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), has named information space security, preserving the Latvian language in the media, and creating modern media regulation as her goals. She told the news agency LETA about her plans.

According to Remberga, information space security covers several aspects: the ability of media to operate in both peacetime and crisis, the survival of independent and diverse media, and the fight against the spread of illegal content. On the council, she will oversee and develop information space monitoring, share responsibility for security issues, and handle international cooperation and work with social media platforms.

Remberga believes there are areas where NEPLP's work can be improved. In her view, the fight against piracy could be made more effective, and cooperation with the media industry could be strengthened.

Objections to the appointment

After her confirmation, Sabīne Sīle, a board member of the foundation "Ilgtspējas fonds" and head of "Media Hub Riga", said the foundation had sent a letter of objection to the Saeima, its Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee, faction leaders and the President. The foundation claims the decision is the "peak of incompetence or a deliberate political effort to retain control" over an institution that should be independent.

Remberga categorically rejects the accusations. She stresses that when she previously represented NEPLP in court, she represented the council's interests rather than those of any political force or individual. She also believes the council should continue its legal case with the TV channel "Dozhd" (TV Rain) over the annulment of its licence, and expects the council to win.

She said she began work in the new post the same day.

Vote and background

On Thursday the Saeima voted 56 in favour, 16 against, with six abstentions. She was nominated by National Alliance deputy Jānis Eglīts. Remberga has worked at the council for nine years, first as legal counsel and senior expert, and since 2019 as head of the Monitoring Department. Members are appointed by the Saeima for five years.

Her predecessor as council chair, Ivars Āboliņš, announced in early June that he would step down to become parliamentary secretary to Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis. Aurēlija Ieva Druviete was elected chair.