Latvia’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) has proposed a reshuffle of key ministerial posts in his three-party coalition government, LETA reports. Karins proposed that National Alliance MP Rihards Kols become foreign minister and that the United List take over the Ministry of Economy and New Unity the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development….
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics called for a review of existing electricity distribution tariffs, LSM reports. Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, Rinkevics said that the behaviour of the market regulator, the Public Utilities Commission (SPRK), was “unacceptable.” He insisted that the increase in electricity tariffs was “disproportionate.” The new tariffs came into…
One person died and eight were injured during a severe thunderstorm in Latvia on 7 August 2023, LETA reports. Wind speeds reached up to 33 m/s in areas. The Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) had to provide assistance to people who were injured by falling trees and heavy hail. The storm and lightning caused major damage…
The prime ministers of the three Baltic States have signed a joint declaration to speed up the synchronisation of the Baltic power grids with the continental European network, ERR reports. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the Baltic States would disconnect from the Russian-controlled BRELL system as soon as it was technically possible. She…
Lithuania’s Prime Minister, Ingrida Simonyte, expressed confidence in Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas, BNS reports. Earlier, Anusauskas was criticised by President Gitanas Nauseda and other politicians for allegedly disclosing restricted information about the purchase of tanks for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Simonyte insisted that Anusauskas had not disclosed classified information but conceded that the minister should…
Lithuania’s preparedness for possible threats is adequate for the current situation, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte stated, LRT reports. She was commenting reports that Russian private military company Wagner Group’s mercenaries had arrived in neighbouring Belarus. Simonyte said that Lithuanian intelligence agencies were monitoring the situation in Belarus and exchanging information with allied partners. Defence Minister…
Replacing Latvia’s current coalition government was “unnecessary” and would cause chaos, Edgars Tavars, chairman of the United List’s parliamentary group, stated, LETA reports. At the same time, he insisted that expanding the government, as proposed by New Unity leader, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, was “legally impossible.” Tavars pointed out that Karins himself had said that…
Latvia’s Prime Minister, Krisjanis Karins, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Riga on 10 July 2023, The Baltic Times reports. The two prime ministers stressed the need for cooperation in strengthening the EU’s external borders and controlling external migration. Karins noted that Italy and Latvia were developing a similar understanding on migration and…
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is visiting Latvia on 10 July 2023 en route to the NATO summit in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, LSM reports. He will meet with several Latvian officials and hold a joint press conference with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins. Trudeau promised to more than double the size of Canada’s contribution to…