Gallery

On Thursday, 22 December, the Saeima submitted for examination to the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee a draft decision on granting citizenship to the world renowned dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov based on his exceptional merits on behalf of Latvia. 

“It is a great honour to propose the Saeima to grant Latvian citizenship to Mikhail Baryshnikov. This artist holds significant merits in promoting Latvia around the world and enriching our culture with exquisite masterpieces of art,” said Inese Lībiņa-Egnere, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and initiator of the draft decision. 

The draft decision on granting Baryshnikov Latvian citizenship has been signed by members of all six parliamentary groups represented at the Saeima. 

One of the greatest dancers of our time, Mikhail Baryshnikov was born in Riga in 1948. Having begun his dancing career at the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad, he defected to the USA in 1974 where he continued his professional career. 

In his confirmation letter to the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Baryshnikov expresses gratitude for the proposed granting of citizenship. He emphasises that he feels truly humbled by such an honour shown by the Republic of Latvia, and if granted citizenship he will cherish it with conscientiousness and pride. 

Individuals may be granted Latvian citizenship based on exceptional merits on behalf of Latvia only by a decision of the Saeima. Before the Saeima decides on granting citizenship to Baryshnikov, the draft decision must first be examined by the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima. 

Saeima Press Service