May and June 2023 were exceptionally dry in Latvia, LETA reports. Average daily rainfall in May 2023 amounted to 12.2 mm, which was just 24% of the monthly norm, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVGMC). May 2023 was thus the driest May ever since data began to be recorded…
The speakers of national parliaments of the Baltic States, Poland, and Ukraine will meet in Latvia’s capital, Riga, on 9-10 July 2023, LSM reports. The speakers will discuss political and practical assistance to Ukraine, including support for the country’s membership of the EU and NATO. The speakers plan to adopt a joint statement at the…
Latvia’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) plans to clarify the future of the current ruling coalition by the middle of August 2023, before the start of next year’s budget talks, LSM reports. Karins said that summer was a “time of silence,” and that he would use the time to ascertain whether the coalition government…
Latvia’s new president, Edgars Rinkevics, has taken his oath of office in the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, LSM reports. In his inaugural speech, Rinkevics pledged to work for the creation of a “modern, strong, legal, and just Latvia,” for people’s well-being, and for an inclusive and respectful society. He said that everyone “should feel that…
Latvia’s Prime Minister, Krisjanis Karins, will temporarily serve as acting foreign minister after current foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics is sworn in as the country’s new president, LSM reports. Karins will perform the duties of foreign minister until the parliament, the Saeima, approves the appointment of a new foreign minister. Rinkevics will be sworn in as…
Latvia’s outgoing president, Egils Levits, delivered his departure speech on 7 July 2023, LSM reports. He thanked the people of Latvia for giving him the opportunity to serve for four years as their president. Levits said that his role was to work for a Latvian Latvia without "remnants of Soviet occupation." The President said that…
Latvia had the largest share of people outside the labour force in the three Baltic states in the first quarter of 2023, according to Eurostat data, LSM reports. Just over 16% of Latvia’s potential labour force is not currently part of the working population. The figure stands at 15.4% in Lithuania and 12.3% in Estonia….
Latvia will maintain enhanced monitoring of its border with Belarus due to concerns raised by the presence of the Russian private military company, Wagner Group in Belarus, President Egils Levits stated, LSM reports. A few dozen people continue to attempt crossing from Belarus into Latvia every day. However, there is no significant risk regarding Russian…
Latvia’s Riga International Airport (RIX) served over 3 million passengers in the first half of 2023, which was nearly 40% more than in the same period of 2022, LSM reports. Transit passengers accounted for 21% of the total, which was up from 17% a year earlier. The average load factor of passenger aircraft stood at…