Latvian political scientists Juris Rozenvalds and Ilga Kreituse criticised outgoing president Egils Levits in an interview on DELFI’s podcast with Danuta Dembovska. Professor Rozenvalds of the University of Latvia said that Levits’s foreign policy activity was positive, whereas the president’s achievements in domestic policy were “zero.” Levits promised a lot but failed to deliver, Rozenvalds…
Exiled Russian liberal opposition leader, economist Vladimir Milov, says Russians are not welcome in Latvia and advises Russian emigrants to leave the country, LSM reports. Speaking in an interview with LSM’s Russian service, Milov noted that the pro-Russian position of many Russian-speakers in Latvia leaves an imprint on all Russians. "Even if you are the…
The Latvian government is discussing proposed changes to traffic rules for pedestrians, cyclists, and electric scooter drivers, LETA reports. Under the changes, two pedestrians will be allowed to walk side by side along the edge of low-speed roads with no pavement. Roller skating, skateboarding, and use of other similar equipment will only be allowed without…
Local governments and educational institutions in Latvia are concerned about the financial benefits of the government’s planned school network reform, Diena reports. Several questions remain unresolved, including the quantitative criteria to decide on keeping or reorganising schools. The Ministry of Education and Science estimates that 120 schools are likely to be affected by the changes,…
Latvia’s State Police have initiated proceedings against the Ventspils-based oil product terminal operator, Ventbunkers, seizing documents, LTV’s Panorama programme reports. Aivars Gobins, board chairman of Ventbunkers, said that the police action was related to a case that has been under investigation for five years and the statute of limitations for which was coming to an…
The construction cost of the East Highway in the Latvian capital, Riga, may increase by more than EUR 8mn, the Riga city council estimated, LETA reports. The city council considered changes to the project’s implementation, which also envisage an increase in funding. The city signed a contract for the first stage of the construction project…
All new beverages sold in Latvia will have to be marked with a Latvian deposit mark as of 1 July 2023, DELFI reports. Beverage producers and retailers had a transition period from 1 January to 30 June 2023 to allow them to adjust to the new rules. Miks Sturitis, board chairman of the deposit system…
New electricity distribution tariffs came into force in Latvia on 1 July 2023, LSM reports. Ahead of the change, distribution system operator Sadales Tikls (ST) urged consumers to change the tariff plan for facilities with low electricity consumption. However, ST’s client portal was unavailable due to technical maintenance on 29-30 June 2023. ST said that…
More than a half (55%) of Latvian residents do not know what their pension will be when they reach retirement age, according to a survey conducted by Luminor Bank, TVNET reports. At the same time, 20% of residents admit that they do not know where to look for information about their pension savings. In the…
