The University of Latvia revokes the Honorary Doctorate from Petr Aven

“The first priority is to affirm our solidarity with Ukraine, not only in words but also in deeds. Petr Aven has supported Putin's politics and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Thereby he has forfeited the title of Honorary Doctor of the University of Latvia. Reputation is the cornerstone of every university. It is difficult to gain, but easy to lose. We must act decisively,” emphasizes Kristaps Jaudzems, Chair of the Senate of the University of Latvia.

The Rector of the University of Latvia, Professor Indriķis Muižnieks, states: “Until now, not a single University of Latvia honorary title has been revoked. However, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and crimes committed by Putin regime at this very moment call out to us. We cannot fail to react if the supporters of such actions also bear the honorary title of the University of Latvia. In the 1990s, the scientific and practical work of Petr Aven significantly contributed to the dismantling of the command economy system and the collapse of the USSR. Nevertheless, he has not expressed clear condemnation of Russia's aggression and the actions of the Putin regime. Moreover, the European Union's sanctions corroborate the active support of Petr Aven to Russia's criminal politics.”

The honorary doctorate degree of the University of Latvia was awarded on 25 March 2013 by a decision of the Senate of the University of Latvia to Petr Aven, who is also a professor at the Moscow University of Economics, on scientific and practical contribution to Latvia's development and cooperation with Russia.