Representatives of the current ruling coalition in Latvia’s Riga city council — New Unity, Code for Riga, National Alliance (NA), and the Latvian Association of Regions (LRA) — called for “statesmanlike thinking” in the work of the coalition, LETA reports. In a public statement, the factions emphasised that the current coalition should continue. Deputy mayor…
The mayor of Latvia’s capital Riga, Martins Stakis, has resigned, LSM reports. He said that the move was due to disagreements within the ruling coalition regarding an investigation into alleged violations in the management practices and use of funds in the city’s transport department. A new mayor needs to be elected within two months, Baltic…
The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has approved in first reading amendments proposed by parliamentary speaker, leader of the Lithuanian Liberal Movement (LLS) Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, that would provide for administrative liability for insulting the honour and dignity of people who provide public services, LRT reports, citing Novaya Gazeta. Violators will face fines of EUR 50-300 for…
Estonian former MP Mihhail Stalnuhhin, who failed to renew his seat in the parliamentary elections in March 2023, says he is leaving politics, ERR reports. He won the most votes (4,578) in the Ida-Virumaa county, but fell short of a personal mandate. Stalnuhhin said that it was his last election. He was expelled from the…
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 EU Affairs Committee of the Estonian parliament, the Riigikogu, has approved Estonia’s position on the introduction of digital travel documents in the EU, ERR reports. The committee supports the introduction of digital passports and ID cards. Committee deputy chair Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski of the Estonian Centre Party (Keskerakond) said that digital travel documents would accelerate…
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,…
Estonia has succeeded Canada as the co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), which is a partnership of countries advocating for media freedom and safety of journalists worldwide, ERR reports. The chair of the coalition rotates among member states on a biannual basis. Estonia joined MFC in September 2019. Estonia ranks in the top 10…