Latvian Political Monitor

The largest creditors have also been published. There, for example, the state-owned company 'Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre' appears with 42 million. What is that? Those are the famous CO2 quotas, a fine for the fact that the company flies and burns fossil fuel. They must be bought on the market and submitted to LVĢMC (the deadline is now September). So that the paperwork is in order. There are no sensible alternatives, all airlines pay. Not long ago, aviation lobbyists asked the European Commission not to apply the quotas, but the answer was a categorical no.

Why has fuel returned above 2 euros per liter and oil above 100 dollars per barrel again? Hormuz again. Saudi Arabia has an oil pipeline that transports about 5% of global oil to the Red Sea, thus partially bypassing the problematic Strait of Hormuz. But the Houthis (Iran's allies) are launching drones and otherwise attacking Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure. The pipeline is closed these days until 'further notice'. Analysts predicted this scenario long ago.

We had a great meeting with @Kyrylo_Budanov in Riga. Next step in co-operation in military, creating first military industry's 🇺🇦&🇱🇻 companies in Latvia, support in UKR grain export and control of 🇷🇺 grain being mixed with stolen 🇺🇦 grain from occupied areas, 🇱🇻 help in energy heat and electricity equipment for the winter season and a dinner to remeber in famous @Motormuzejs built by my father and his team of oldtimer club

@ChiuljuPussala @realNepareizais Introduce communism. A fair price is determined by decree, and there is no fuel. Will you give away your property for half price? Or will you still try to earn it yourself?

@realNepareizais It is stupid to imagine that the government can set fuel prices. But who is more stupid? A politician who promises it, or a voter who believes it?🤔

DECISIONS AFTER THE STORM Electricity disappeared for 280,000 households, communications disappeared, radio didn't report, coordination was weak, payment systems didn't work, ATMs didn't work, medicines couldn't be sold even if there was electricity because data systems didn't work. That was the reality, where even the energy crisis state wasn't declared. We gathered yesterday for a meeting to decide what needs to change to be more prepared - we heard from the KVC (Crisis Management Center) and services. We immediately adopted 12 urgent decisions to improve readiness so that the next storm/crisis situation wouldn't catch us so unprepared. (I don't really understand what the state has been doing all the previous 4 years) = GOOD NEWS - electricity damage (over 2000 cases) was cleaned up very quickly (Lithuania with a smaller number is still fighting with thousands of unconnected homes); all hospitals worked without electricity disruption, generators worked 🟠Latvia must create a unified, practically functioning crisis management system, where the state, municipalities and critical service providers operate according to a common plan. (Example should be taken from Ukraine, where all services are in a unified system) 🟠The protective belt widths of AST and ST power line trees must be increased so that there aren't so many damages. 🟠The mobile network must work not 4 hours without electricity, but at least 72 hours, voice calls need better coverage, in crisis situations Latvian users must be able to have local roaming between operators. 🟠Offline, or non-online mode, must allow payment for fuel, food, medicines for both businesses and individuals with cash or credit card. 🟠Ensuring continuity of communications and electricity, creating a unified information channel and organizing regular training, during which we will inventory crisis resources and ensure our readiness. 🟠I want to emphasize that crisis management training must be regular. And of course, still important – timely and unified communication. Because creating an information channel will have no result if we cannot promptly and professionally inform the public. 🟠Old, outdated limits must be reviewed – cash transactions, the tiny liters of fuel, etc. 🟠Residents have been asked for years to prepare for 72-hour situations. The same readiness principle must apply to the state, municipalities and critical public service providers. In some sectors, the necessary autonomous operation time could be longer than 72 hours, according to risk assessment. 🟠 KVC work must be significantly improved. The Crisis Management Center must compile proposals from sectors and come with concrete solutions to the government in the areas discussed today. https://t.co/qnnUjGTXhm

In Germany, a terror attack against the electricity supply system. Short circuits were created in two different places in the high-voltage network, as a result of which power plants disconnected. Such events show how truly unprotected the electricity supply system is. For us it was just wind, trees fell, but in Germany saboteurs simply took firecrackers and shot wires across overhead lines, created a short circuit. It costs practically nothing and it seems practically impossible to protect against such actions.

Impressive. In Sweden, applications for new nuclear power plant construction 11GW. https://t.co/CGfxVFKJrr

Day No.69 in the prime ministerial chair - September 1st, School reform, VILKATIS against immigrants, Restored electricity, VILKATIS2 September 1st - students return, homework returns to parents, traffic jam season returns SCHOOL REFORM - we will not pursue rapid changes, education needs stability. Chemistry and physics must return, opportunity to correct one grade should be given. The government adopted a school funding model, more flexible funding allocation for salaries. VILKATIS - migrants are deterred at the border. ~480 attempts were repelled, 4 transporters detained, 2 tunnels found. 63 fence sections damaged in the storm. VILKATIS is extended for another month. ST has restored electricity to all storm victims, 9 crews are going to help 🇱🇹 to connect the remaining 11k disconnected households. The government adopted amendments to compensate the monthly electricity connection fee (5-10€ for apartments and 15-35€ for private houses) for all who had power outages over 72 hours. The Ministry of Climate and Energy approved an improved support program for heating modernization. From now on, you can keep the old system as a safety alternative in crisis conditions if you install a heat pump, batteries, modern pellet boiler, etc. Support for 3+ Honor Families increases from 70 to 85%. VILKATIS2 - task for the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence to come up with a proposal for a month-long operation to address illegal migration within Latvia, both pseudo-students and illegal migrants in employment.

@akirstei It would be good if the three Baltic states built a nuclear power plant together, but there is a question. Given the experience of the progressively messed-up Rail Baltica, would our neighbors even be ready to engage in another joint megaproject with Latvia?

Information about the situation with power grid damage - I just spoke with the Lithuanian Prime Minister, who asked me how we managed to fix such a large number of damages so quickly? Yes, our emergency teams have indeed worked wonders, because from 284,000 households without electricity we've already reduced to 2,538 households. In Lithuania there were 260,000 without electricity and today there are still 30,000. Our ST and AST technicians of power lines have done a huge job to repair together 2,369 broken lines/damages. Imagine the number of trips! I thanked the Estonian Prime Minister for their help, who came to assist with their 20 experts. Next week we need to adopt significant amendments so that after such a storm there wouldn't be such a large scale of damages. One of the significant reasons is that the distance of trees from power lines is too close, many trees damaged AST and ST wires, which is unacceptable - the regulation must be changed. There are still significant decisions and error corrections/omissions that need to be addressed already next week at the extraordinary Cabinet of Ministers meeting on September 4 to improve our preparedness in crisis conditions. We cannot allow such a situation during winter.

Day No. 63 in the prime minister's seat (Friday) — from the first speech in the Saeima, airBaltic to South Korean investments Friday started early — with an interview on LTV's Morning Panorama. 📺☕️ Questions, of course, about the most current topics — CSDD and airBaltic. 35th anniversary of the restoration of Latvia's real independence — celebrations in the Saeima with my first speech to the Saeima parliament and an award at the Presidential Palace to the outstanding Māra Zālīte - I recommend listening to her speech delivered in verse, it was something special. 🚗 CSDD In my opinion, CSDD now needs to come up with concrete solutions to reduce potential risks to citizens after the data leak. ➖️ For example, it should provide the option to change car license plates for free for those who wish. Initially, a few hundred new plates could be created, with old ones handed in and gradually replaced. That's just one possible solution. ➖️ I also believe that every affected person should individually receive an apology letter from CSDD, clearly stating what exactly their data was stolen, what the potential risks are, and where to seek help. ✈️ airBaltic I tried to very clearly explain one thing to TV viewers — it is NOT true that the government will now automatically give airBaltic 30 million euros again. The Saeima has given the government the opportunity to decide whether to lend money to the company together with private investors or not. If the state participates as a lender, then we can continue to sit at the same table where decisions about the company's future are made. No longer as owners or shareholders, but as lenders or bondholders. Because it is no secret — currently the state, as an airBaltic shareholder, has practically no real influence, and the value of our shares has effectively been lost. That's why it's important to at least retain the possibility to be at the table and know what will happen with the company next. 🇰🇷 Later in the day, I met with the Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Park Duk-hyum. The conversation was very practical — not diplomacy for its own sake, but about concrete business, investments, and cooperation. ➖️ We discussed the MiCA regulation and Latvia's potential to become an even more significant financial and crypto-asset hub in Europe. Latvia already has its success stories here. ➖️ We agreed to develop the idea of Ādaži cooperation with a partner city in South Korea. 🇱🇻🤝🇰🇷 ➖️ I told about the advantages and uniqueness of the Sēlija military training ground, as well as Latvia's defense industry opportunities. ➖️ We also talked about Ķekava and specific cooperation opportunities. 💊 I see very good opportunities for Latvia's chemistry and pharmaceutical industry to cooperate with Korean companies in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and components. ⚡️ Particularly interesting — a South Korean company plans investments in a methane production plant and SMR (small modular reactor) technology. Latvia should be active here from the very beginning. And at the end of the conversation, I said a very simple thing: We, politicians, are paid also to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and opportunities. Not only to talk about the economy, but to help create real deals. And it seems we are getting better and better at it. 💪

One more thing about the conclusions after the storm. The services are working as hard as they can, well done, but they are people with boots on the ground, normal people. But @Sadalestikls' information system has gone to NifNuf (two piglets). That was thought up in offices by highly paid managers. How was it before? Well, for example, in my area in Carnikava you could call the ST service, or go there, the masters could roughly explain what and how. How long to wait. They have work schedules, they know, dispatchers know. Then a person knows - need to buy water, maybe book a hotel, or go to relatives with family if you have to wait a week. Wait as long as you wait, but at least tell me, even very roughly. But now the electricity system has introduced an e-health analog (works on avos). For example, I found 'ends' through acquaintances, found out when what was planned. The masters know, the bosses know how serious the accident is, they can predict something. But officially there's nowhere to call now. Only 'by pull'. The interactive map showed me a meaningless 'until work is completed'. A day, a week, a month? At least tell me if days are planned, not hours? After a day and a half they connected my electricity. But today I get a few calls, they curse. I need to know, they say. The closer to the government, the crisis center. But I really don't know. One person says the interactive map since yesterday shows - until 23. But today another day has passed. And nothing, e-health shows 23:00, but in what year, month? Not said, not lied. Maybe we go back to manual vote counting, like in elections? Why some impersonal e-health in energy, if the management are nifnufs, usually pink piglets? 🐷

@Broks Even better is to look through the prism of cold January winter days - or even better as it is for Ukrainians, every day. I have very specific points that are known, where things went wrong - we need to clearly implement the things to do. KVC is one of those that needs to be remade and strengthened.

@maijaroze_ @ast_lv @Sadalestikls If they don't clear, then electricity supply depends on wind whims, weather forecasts. Protection of high-voltage lines should be basic, but in offices such logic apparently doesn't work.

🇺🇦 3 days in Ukraine — silence before the storm of cruise missiles. Independence Day, war and cooperation PART 1 - first part There is one thing I can say with absolute clarity after this visit — what we in Latvia experience as an emergency situation for one weekend is everyday life in Ukraine. Every day. Every night. We have much to learn and adopt from them. The scale of problems that 🇺🇦 feels, solves and goes through is unimaginable — and they cope! And Ukrainians have learned to coordinate services extremely effectively, use limited resources and make decisions in circumstances where mistakes come at a very high price. In the crisis management center - the service dispatch center, there is a unified system for all services together with the military center and coordination - fantastic cooperation and resource transfer. 🇺🇦 This was my first - three-day state visit to Ukraine — on the day of the Ukrainian National Flag and during Independence Day celebrations. Russia with its brutal war of occupation has already taken 5 years from Ukraine's 35 years of independence. I not only congratulate President @zelenskyyUA and the Ukrainian people on their ability to defend their independence and fight for their country. I used these three days as practically as possible. 🤝 I met with President Zelensky, Ukrainian Prime Minister @KoretskyiUA , the Defense Minister, the leadership of military intelligence, SBU and other structures. I also visited: ➖️ military operations command center; ➖️ radar and air defense center; ➖️ crisis management center; ➖️ drone attack center LASAR ➖ several military and security structures. From this visit I bring home not only political discussions, but also very concrete contacts, cooperation projects, systems, solutions and potential contracts that we can also use to strengthen Latvia's defense capabilities. 🌙 The presence of our — EU and other allied leaders — in Kyiv was in a way also an opportunity for local residents to finally sleep more peacefully. Putin usually does not allow massive missile attacks when a large number of foreign leaders are in the city. However, during dinner at President Zelensky's, the air raid siren also sounded for us. Air defense worked, and "Shahed" drones were shot down just about 5 km away from us. That quickly reminds you where you really are. 🌍 During the visit there were both NB8 — Nordic-Baltic countries, and Coalition of the Willing meetings with about 30 European and international allies. The overall feeling was very similar: there is no logic in spending enormous energy on organizing peace talks if the aggressor himself is not ready to really negotiate. 🕊️ Peace talks are in the hands of Ukraine and President Zelensky. Our — European and allied — task is to provide Ukraine with everything possible so that it can gain an advantage on the battlefield. If Ukraine reaches real peace talks, we must support them. But until then, Ukraine must be given resources so that it does not enter negotiations from a position of weakness. ⚔️ Ukrainians, with an innovative approach very different from traditional military thinking, have managed to achieve maximum effect with limited resources. (83% of people in service are not from the military sphere) But right now there are very significant technological and strategic changes in the war — unfortunately not all in Ukraine's favor. ❄️ Winter 🇺🇦 will be very hard. 🔴 Russia is preparing to strike Ukraine's critical infrastructure — electricity, heating and water supply. 🔴 The Ukrainian side reports that Russia has currently accumulated about 600 cruise missiles, but by the end of winter it can produce about 700 more. That means potentially up to 1300 missiles. 🔴 The availability of air defense missiles is much lower than the possible scale of Russian attacks. To reliably intercept one target, sometimes several interceptor missiles are needed. 🔴 Russia is already capable of equipping "Shahed" type drones with jet engines. They become significantly faster and much harder to intercept. 🔴 Russia, together with CHINA, is actively developing alternative STARLINK satellite communication and control systems, which could significantly increase its attack capabilities as early as December. 🔴 The new war conditions make Ukraine's defense increasingly expensive — more air defense systems, missiles, drones, electronic warfare tools and ammunition are needed. 💰 And here is a question for us in Europe as well. As long as some countries help Russia circumvent sanctions, continue to buy Russian energy resources, allow shadow fleet operations or allow Western components to reach Russia's military industry, we are actually helping to finance the next missiles that will fly at Ukrainian cities. That is why my position is clear: ⛔ The flow of Western technologies and components into Russia's missile and weapons production must be completely stopped. 💶 The frozen Russian assets (worth 200b €, which covers a whole year of war costs in Ukraine) must be used much more actively for Ukraine's support, rather than endlessly relying only on European taxpayers' money. Hundreds of billions of euros of Russian funds are frozen in Europe. The aggressor must pay for its war. 🚫 I also insist on a firm position — Russia must not be normalized and quietly allowed back into the international arena while it continues its aggression. - Not in sports. - Not in culture. - Not in music. Russia also uses sports, culture and international presence to legitimize its state and regime. 🕯️ During the visit I also visited the memorial for fallen special forces soldiers. There are also two plaques with the names of our compatriots — Maksims Čugunovs and Vitālijs Smirnovs. That is a very heavy reminder of the price people pay for Ukraine's and thus also our freedom. 🇺🇦 Ukrainians must win. There is no other option. Good forces must prevail over the aggressor. And Latvia together with all of Europe must do everything possible for that to happen. 🇱🇻🤝🇺🇦

We in Latvia have the lowest electricity consumption per connection in the whole 🇪🇺, which means very expensive infrastructure per number of inhabitants. Switching to underground lines is a huge cost that will not be affordable for users. That is achievable if we doubled consumption per connection (which is achievable if we made strategic political decisions).

Regarding responsibility, I observe one thing that is visible in social media posts. Now the nifnufi are looking for those responsible. The same carefree nifnufi are now looking for an excuse for their own carelessness. And what do you think? Found! Responsibility must be shifted onto private individuals. Why didn't you, you scum, put a generator on your pepper stand? As if the stand owner had an obligation to sell something according to a political schedule, even during a storm🤡