Latvian Political Monitor

It is important to ensure that the public procurement system is understandable to everyone, and that there are no longer situations where it is cheaper to simply shop in a store than to do so in the Electronic Procurement System.

I consider it my duty to obtain full information about what happened – I have instructed the Prison Administration to submit information by June 10 about the circumstances of this case, other cases of death and suicide in places of detention, as well as about the measures taken to prevent such cases. https://t.co/NsrGfEqYFg

Together with the finance ministers of Lithuania and Estonia, as well as the @EBRD president, a memorandum of understanding was signed on further cooperation in developing a unified Baltic capital market. This is a step forward so that we can talk about a unified, efficiently functioning Baltic market. https://t.co/FSoYOlpYIX

During the meeting with the State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Vegard Græsli Venneland, we discussed regional security and economic cooperation issues. The need to continue support for Ukraine was also emphasized in the conversation.

Having fought against the occupier's troops for more than 4 years, Ukraine has developed its military industry to a level that the rest of Europe, including Latvia, often has something to learn from. Meeting with Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, we discussed Ukrainian achievements in this field.

Given the complex geopolitical situation, it is important to pay increased attention to the security of states, meaning both military defense and investments in cyber security and the fight against disinformation. We discussed these issues with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Osmočesku https://t.co/c9r6XEz8Cn

The United Kingdom is a good ally for Latvia, and currently it has a leading role in European security. It is also important that free market relations continue between this country and the EU, including Latvia. A valuable conversation about that with the UK Finance Minister @RachelReevesMP https://t.co/nTWE6WP5av

The EBRD annual meeting in Riga is not just about economy, growth and new strategies. It is also about values. Latvia stands firmly alongside Ukraine. Russia's war of aggression continues, and it demands from us not only words but also action. Ukraine remains at the centre of our priorities

First working week in the position of Finance Minister...

🏛️ Today in Luxembourg we met in the circle of European Union justice ministers. The most important issue for Latvia was Russia's responsibility for the war in Ukraine. It is in Latvia's interest to ensure that Russia pays for the damage caused to Ukraine, that war criminals are held accountable, and that aggression does not become an acceptable instrument of international relations. That is why work was advanced on establishing a special tribunal and an international compensation mechanism. The goal is simple – that the aggressor cannot evade responsibility. Here, we Baltic ministers urged our colleagues to act much faster. An important issue was the protection of children's rights in Europe. Nowadays families live, work, and move between different countries. Therefore it is important that children's rights are protected regardless of which European country the child is in. Latvia's position is clear – the child's interests must be central in all decisions. Thank you to our Lithuanian colleague who raised the issue of European historical memory. Namely – for Latvia and the Baltics, this is not a theoretical issue. Our countries have experienced occupation, deportations, and propaganda. That is why we defended the need to prevent the distortion of history in Europe and attempts by aggressor states to justify their crimes. Member states also supported the planned Justice program of 798 million euros in the EU's multi-annual budget. This means that we will be able to work with great dedication on creating a digitalized justice system, which will promote judicial cooperation and access to justice for each of us. In short – all these discussions are united by one goal – a safer Latvia 🇱🇻, a stronger Europe 🇪🇺, and clear rules that protect people, not aggressors.

The involvement of international financial institutions in financing long-term projects is particularly important in the current geopolitical circumstances and sends a positive signal to investors about Latvia's development potential, which we discussed with European Investment Bank Vice President Karl Nēhammer https://t.co/Vv0gJGr1WB

It is important to maintain strong international support for Ukraine, especially by promoting investments, business development, and long-term reconstruction of the country. We were of one mind on this today when meeting with the Swiss representative at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in Riga – at the right time and in the right place. If the bank's shareholders are here and talk about investments in Latvia, that is a signal that our country is safe for both residents and investments.

During the EBRD annual meeting, I met with representatives of the US Treasury. There are already companies in Latvia that use the opportunities provided by EBRD, especially in regions such as Lēdurga and Liepāja. The use of EBRD instruments is important for the development of the military industry. https://t.co/F7uBNOdLpP

Valuable meeting with @EBRD President @OdileRenaud. The presence of EBRD leaders and shareholders in Riga, holding the meeting right here, is a direct confirmation to businesses worldwide that Latvia has a safe environment for investment. https://t.co/bmp2Q486Wd

📍State budget expenditures must be reduced, but it will not happen at the expense of services provided to the public; 📍Each new expenditure position in the budget will have to be justified; 📍The creation of the Climate and Energy Ministry was at the time a whim of certain politicians. https://t.co/4asGFFMx3T

Today I met with the chairman of Liepāja City Council @GunarsAnsins to discuss the new municipal financial equalization model. This was an important meeting – if we don't know what municipalities think, how people live in different regions, our decisions may not be objective. #Liepāja #sadarbība

To prevent further wasteful spending, the public procurement system will be reviewed; To reach a positive solution in the 'Rail Baltica' area, the oversight of this project must be changed; 'Air Baltic' finally must have a business plan that corresponds to the market situation https://t.co/jVpSYqA4x4

@IzraviensLV Today I discussed the Ministry of Justice's initiatives with the Prime Minister. Tomorrow they will be officially submitted. The PM's resolution said 'within 3 working days'. We're working 🤝