Day No. 77 (WEDNESDAY 16 Sept) — Meeting with the President and the Security Council The day began right away with serious matters: ☀️ Early morning with TV Panorama 🤝 Meeting with the President ➖ We discussed Russian grain transit and the government's plans to stop it ➖ In connection with @airBaltic, we discussed the possibility of postponing ETS aviation fuel CO2 quota payments – an EU decision to freeze CO2 quotas in the aviation sector should be pushed, because combined with the huge impact of the Hormuz conflict on aviation fuel prices (rise from €660/t to €1,800/t), CO2 quotas at the same time will kill small and medium-sized airlines in the EU. ➖ We discussed readiness for the elections ➖ The President announced his visit to the US, where the American ambassador to Latvia has arranged for Latvian entrepreneurs to meet simultaneously with 200 top-level US entrepreneurs for networking and cooperation – a very welcome step, as it confirms our shared desire to change the situation to increase US investment cooperation in economic development. 🏛️ National Security Council (NSC) ➡️ We heard from the Ministry of Justice @EdvardsSmiltens, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development @Edgars_T and the Central Election Commission on readiness to hold safe elections ➡️ All systems have been successfully transferred from VARAM to CVK. Load and cyber tests have been carried out, results are good. ➡️ The elections can take place! 👥 Meeting with a youth organisation at the Drone Centre – where Latvijas Finieris supports drone training and testing with superb premises 💪🇱🇻
Posts and News from Apvienotais saraksts
Political posts and news from Apvienotais saraksts among monitored Latvian public sources.
From@RihardsKolsSanctions were meant to be a common instrument. From today they are a barter object. The EU today extended sanctions against almost 3000 individuals and companies for 36 months. Setting sanctions for three years, without the need to renew them every six months, was a long-awaited and necessary decision. The price of this decision? The removal of two Russian oligarchs – Usmanov and Fridman – from the sanctions list. This was first demanded by Slovakia, then France, and then Luxembourg. They, of course, had their reasons. National interests, arbitration claims. None of them are related either to Ukraine or to European security. The worst part of this whole story is that there is no basis for removing the two oligarchs from the sanctions list. Both appealed their listing in the EU court. Both lost. So the evidence was sufficient, the procedure worked as it should. And now they are taken off the list anyway, because one or another EU country has “national interests”. It is hard to imagine a better gift to strengthen Moscow's rhetoric – that EU sanctions are simply arbitrary punishment without any justification, an unjust penalty that can be applied and removed based on political expediency or the mood of the day. We have consistently proven for years that this is not so. Today in the afternoon we refuted ourselves. Latvia held out longest against its objections and, as it turns out, in the end we stood alone. In the end we abstained – after France allegedly offered closer cooperation on air defence and potential access to its nuclear umbrella. Now read the previous sentence again. Objections to sanctions policy were “resolved” with an offer of bilateral cooperation in the security field. However good the offer may be, the EU's common foreign and security policy does not work that way. No one, of course, recorded in any protocol or decision the release of imprisoned French citizens. But everyone knew what exactly was being bought. Authoritarian regimes now have a new and proven method: kidnap or arrest an EU citizen, put pressure on the respective country's leadership, and EU policy towards Russia becomes a negotiable matter. The Kremlin drew its conclusions within a couple of hours – it supported Paris and Luxembourg and demanded the lifting of sanctions on all Russian businessmen and all Russian citizens. Pandora's box, once opened, simply cannot be closed again. The three-year cycle is the only good element of today's decision. The need to renew sanctions every six months subjected the entire EU common policy to blackmail and dependence on the directions of “political winds” and electoral cycles. But nothing prevents the other EU member states from acting. Latvia will impose national sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman. The other 23 member states can also do it as early as tomorrow. Interesting whether they will.
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From@tv3lvPrime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has signed an order to freeze salaries next year for a number of public administration employees. https://t.co/nkJwQ5Uudb https://t.co/XczYjPmijF
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From@ltvzinasPrime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has signed an order to freeze salaries next year for a number of public administration employees.
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Latvia's position and agreement with 🇪🇺🇨🇮 and 🇨🇵 on the 🇷🇺 sanction list package, my interview below on @euronews https://t.co/mswxNuyqJR
From@euronewsLatvia's PM, who vehemently opposed removing two Russian oligarchs from sanctions, told Euronews' @angelaskujins the move risks setting a "bad playbook" — saying sanctions are not a bargaining chip in politics. https://t.co/ynNQM1Dc8H
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Latvia agrees to a compromise, but does not change its principled position. We objected to the last minute against the removal of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list. Latvia was the only EU country that fought for this until the very end of the negotiations. It was a morally correct position, and our friends in Ukraine saw and appreciated it. However, the government had to make a responsible decision. The choice was not between a good and a bad solution. The choice was between changing the status of two individuals and the risk of losing the entire sanctions regime applying to more than 2,600 Russian war supporters, individuals and companies. Therefore, Latvia's representative will abstain in the vote. This will allow the sanctions to be extended not for the usual six months, but for 36 months. For the next three years, it will be much harder for the Kremlin and its allies to try to split Europe and trade over the future of sanctions every six months. At the same time, Latvia does not step back: 🔒 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with immediately preparing the legal basis for imposing national sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman; 💶 we will use all legal instruments to prevent the release of their funds and economic resources in Latvia; 🛡️ in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, we reached an agreement to start negotiations on Latvia's involvement in the French nuclear deterrence initiative; ✈️ France is ready to strengthen its military presence in Latvia, especially in the area of air defense; 🇺🇦 I personally informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian Prime Minister about Latvia's decision. Ukraine understands our position and supports the need to maintain a unified European sanctions regime. Latvia will not allow the sanctions regime against thousands of Russian war supporters to collapse because of two individuals. We maintained our political position, safeguarded the continuation of sanctions and at the same time achieved a significant strengthening of Latvia's security. As long as Russia continues the war, Latvia will continue to stand on Ukraine's side. Firmly and without retreat.
If there are no children, then really, what for? I think the answer is the desire to create and reach the next level. For a small portion of people, life is about overcoming challenges and satisfaction from what has been achieved. For a multimillionaire, the next million gives nothing practical. Only satisfaction. A true statesman takes satisfaction from the country's successes, even though it gives nothing practical after reaching a certain level. It is a question of how each one fills their life. The circle of challenges is one way. It also motivates scientists.
From@TwViesis@guntarsv 'Think about yourself' - there are several levels. 1. Potholes on the street - I buy a jeep. Or I ensure that the street gets repaired. Thinking about yourself also means thinking about children and what kind of environment is left... If we go only the cynical variant... What is the state for....
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Illustrative survey. Everything there is logically understandable. In politics, the bulk is grey, hopefully no objection to this? Well, if not, then let's look at the survey results. 68% of respondents say that those in power are either dishonest in the sense of mainly looking after their own pocket, or honest and incompetent. And both are absolutely right! The ABCs of economics are about every/any person thinking first of themselves. So inevitably all plumbers and all MPs also think first of themselves. Anyone. One may call that 'dishonest', but everyone thinks about their own wallet as a priority. Honest/dishonest/smart or not particularly. Anyone. That is why there is always broad support for any 'give me my money back' initiatives. That is also why referendums on taxes are not allowed anywhere. It is only about people's natural nature. Dishonest? Yes, perhaps, humanity could have differed more from monkeys. And 51% acknowledge this simple truth. Then another 17% of respondents say that people in power are not dishonest (relative to the evaluator himself). Just incompetent. That overlaps with the first - there really are very many incompetent ones, which accordingly means that they are left only to think about their salary. But what can they do, dear people? Well, if a poor fellow can't manage, then only the first remains - to claw up to a salary, as an MP or a night guard, and why not strive for the well-paid and non-backbreaking job of an MP? Who would choose to work more and receive less? Why wouldn't that monkey climb that tree? Humanly natural. The survey shows that 68% agree with me. The majority understands the basics. And who are that 5%? They are the politicians themselves (they like to bask on TV, have an elevated level of narcissism and therefore a grand opinion of themselves). Then let's add their relatives, and another part of society is the un-grown Origo children. Happy, at least some of them. And what then is that 14%? They are the Lucky Bear seekers. They don't understand that no one individually can exercise power in proportional democracy as would be possible in autocracy. Or in a presidential system (Argentina's Milei). But in a proportional democracy, where every post has its own boss and evaluation committee, one can only advance slowly and with heavy effort, gradually. But Lucky Bear seekers don't like that - where is my happiness, and already tomorrow, eh? 🙂
From@ArnisKaktinsIn the August WEB survey we repeated a question that has been asked many times. But I did not make a dynamics chart, because this time the respondent set is slightly different (1205 resp. Latvian citizens, 18+). The results are splendid and predictable in advance – only a few give appreciative assessments. #velesanas2026 https://t.co/arweVhsQ3F
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⚖️ The lawyer qualification exam must be demanding, fair, and just toward every student. The government has supported amendments prepared by the Ministry of Justice to the procedure for the unified state professional qualification exam for lawyers. They provide: 🔹 a clearer procedure for assessing possible academic integrity violations; 🔹 the right of a student to finish the exam even if suspicions of a violation have arisen during it; 🔹 the possibility to appeal the commission's decision to an appeals commission; 🔹 precise rules on the use of unauthorised aids and devices; 🔹 more flexible action in the event of technical disruptions, security threats, or other unforeseen circumstances. ℹ️ The amendments will enter into force in the general procedure. The new procedure for determining higher education institution representation will apply starting with the winter 2027 qualification exam. More: https://t.co/mSRk9ECNbe
Today I was invited to @Krustpunkta and answered questions from radio listeners. You can listen to the broadcast here: https://t.co/LBqGJI73dr
Yesterday I put it wrong - it will be tomorrow 😃 Here we will be today: https://t.co/kp1CFybYeH
From@Apvienotais_🟠22 SEPTEMBER | 16:00 - 19:00 UNITED LIST Saeima deputy candidates invite residents to a meeting. #APVIENOTAISSARAKSTS #MumsIrRisinājums #KulbergsIrRisinājums #LatvijaMumsIrRisinājums #RīgaMumsIrRisinājums #7Saraksts #SaeimasVēlēšanas2026 https://t.co/ChZh5bw3OH
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@Olehnovics @Apvienotais_ I myself won't be there 😐 But Ruta Priede, Oskars Zuģickis, Ināra Groce... will be.
From@Olehnovics@jureits @Apvienotais_ Thanks! If I make it, I'll come.
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@Olehnovics @Apvienotais_ Here is also an invitation in video format: https://t.co/Gqi7Uvg8UW
From@Olehnovics@jureits @Apvienotais_ When will it be in Daugavpils?
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@Olehnovics @Apvienotais_ Today from 17:00 to 19:00 at the intersection of Rīgas and Mihoelsa streets.
From@Olehnovics@jureits @Apvienotais_ When will it be in Daugavpils?
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I will try to come to the @Apvienotais_ tent today. Come as guests! https://t.co/2qLqTaWSmZ
From@Apvienotais_🟠SEPTEMBER 23 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM UNITED LIST Saeima deputy candidates invite residents to a meeting. #APVIENOTAISSARAKSTS #MumsIrRisinājums #KulbergsIrRisinājums #LatvijaMumsIrRisinājums #RīgaMumsIrRisinājums #7Saraksts #SaeimasVēlēšanas2026 https://t.co/bIF0Lj2vdp
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From@PStrautinsRT @PStrautins: The decision to reduce the fuel price by 20 cents is wrong in more ways than I have time to list, here are only the main ones. - In this way, the government says it takes responsibility for fluctuations in world market prices, making a future promise that will be impossible to keep, knowing demographic trends, etc. A problem has been created where there was none. - Latvia does not have a purchasing-power crisis. Even three euros per litre would be a lower fuel price relative to income than it was in 2011–2013. The state should intervene when fundamental rights and basic needs are threatened. With credible ~5% inflation at the end of the year, overall purchasing power will be the same as it was at the end of last year. Only a temporary pause in purchasing-power growth after a sharp rise in the previous three years threatens. - A fiscally neutral reduction of fuel taxes is impossible. The rise in import costs has already reduced consumer spending on other goods, and thus tax revenue from them; moreover, the state itself is a large fuel buyer. Higher VAT revenue due to rising fuel prices does not compensate for that. The budget deficit is already rather too large; there is no need to panic about it, but one must be careful. - Such a decision sends the wrong signal to car buyers, encouraging choices that will cost them more in the future, and will also hinder achievement of climate-policy goals, which in turn can cost the state dearly.
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From@Sandy_mustacheNeither the Taliban, nor African juntas, nor third-world island states( https://t.co/rBf3PnXb18
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For the Prime Minister, every day is like Monday 🎙️ A year after our first conversation, I am again a guest on the podcast “Virziens”. Back then I was a Saeima deputy. Now — Prime Minister. The position is different, but the conversation is still open and on familiar terms. In four months you can get a lot moving, but you cannot remake a country in one go. Problems that have been accumulating for years cannot be solved with one loud statement or another “restart”. In this conversation we talked about things for which there are no easy answers: 💶 how to sort out state finances without pretending that the deficit will disappear on its own; ✈️ what is actually happening with airBaltic and why the state can no longer bear the whole burden alone; 🚆 how to finish Rail Baltica sensibly, rather than keep paying for past mistakes; 💻 why the state still overpays for IT solutions; 🏢 how to manage state companies more professionally and finally make capital work; ⚖️ why politics is not a business and why decisions there take more time; 👨👩👧👦 what the prime minister's job demands from a family and why in this position every day is Monday. Without slogans and embellishment. About what I have seen in four months, what we have started to change, and what still lies ahead. If you want to understand not only what the government is doing, but also — why, watch the latest “Virziens” episode. 👇 🎥 https://t.co/3faT9tGL9H
@GalvGatis @Apvienotais_ I am in direct contact with the political leadership of 🇺🇦
From@GalvGatis@AndrisKulbergs @Apvienotais_ This must be asked of 🇺🇦, not Paris
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From@guntarsv@E_Stendzenieks @andrislov You won't manage to introduce any inheritance tax, Erik😁 Just as you won't realize your own advertised flash action to rake Lenin's logs into pension savings.
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