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. 💪
APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS - Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija · Ministru prezidents
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@taisnibaskalps@VL_TBLNNK@Apvienotais_ do you think I am an investigator, prosecutor, judge and executioner all in one? I think each of us should do our own duties, mine is to run the state, services investigate, court imposes sentence.
In August, support for Prime Minister Andris Kulberggs' political force 'United List' continued to grow, while the popularity of the other coalition parties declined. Meanwhile, 'Stability!' and 'Latvia's Development' crossed the 2% threshold, according to a survey by the market and public opinion research center SKDS conducted from August 13 to 19. #ChooseLatvia'sFuture #Elections2026
SKDS message is this:
🔶 Vote for Vienotība, ZZS, LA and NA, because there is a risk they may not enter the Saeima.
🔶 Do not vote for AS and the Progressives, because they will gather many votes anyway.
🔶 Do not vote for MMN, ASL, because they have no chance.
Now everyone has to decide for themselves whether to believe this manipulation.
APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS - Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija · Tieslietu ministrs
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Young people are our future! 💪🏼
That is why it is a real joy to see young people who care about their country, who want to understand how it works, and who are not afraid to ask questions.
Today at noon we hosted 20 active young people from the Latvian Regions Association at the Ministry of Justice. I introduced them to the ministry's work, its main tasks, and also the daily life of the Minister of Justice – how decisions are made and how the justice system affects each of our lives.
The young people's interest and questions were especially pleasing. A democratic and rule-of-law state is not a given – it begins with people who understand their rights and duties and are ready to get involved.
📖 We also talked about the Constitution – the foundation of our state. I wished every young person to read it, because I am convinced that it would be valuable for everyone to know what values, rights, and principles are the foundation of our state.
Thank you to the young people for their energy, curiosity, and interest in Latvia! 🇱🇻
AS + LPV coalition, fortunately, hasn't come together yet. Hope that LA will get over 5%, then a coalition can be formed without LPV, P and, of course, without SV. https://t.co/6kScAewC0B
Given the hype around Latgale, I have changed tomorrow's plans and am heading to Daugavpils and Krāslava. 10:00 – Daugavpils City Council, then a meeting with entrepreneurs. 15:00 – Krāslava City Council and talks with local entrepreneurs. Clear answers on the spot! https://t.co/OrRxhCcjip
There is a misunderstanding and incorrectly spread news/headlines in media = there is no threat to Latgale and no need to declare a state of emergency. It is just an unfortunate wording of the order's title and annotation from the document submitted by KEM @JanisVitenbergs on the TAP portal.
The ministry document's text is misleading and ambiguous (it is a mistake, the minister will correct it), but reading it in detail one can clearly understand both its meaning and essence - to introduce a legal framework for action in yellow and orange warning situations.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' address to the public
I want to clearly tell the people of Latvia: there is currently no reason for concern. Latvia's level of military threat has not changed. The risk of a direct military invasion threat to Latvia is currently low.
This is confirmed by the information available to our security services, and the President of the State has also publicly emphasized this.
Yes, we live in a time when Russia's war against Ukraine continues nearby. We must reckon with cyberattacks, sabotage attempts, provocations, drones, and other manifestations of hybrid warfare. That is why state services are operating in a heightened alert mode, we are strengthening the eastern border, and together with NATO allies we are continuously monitoring the situation.
However, preparedness for a potential threat is not the same as an immediate threat. These two things must not be confused.
Unfortunately, in recent days we see loud statements in the public space about "threats of escalation of Russia's military action" and the declaration of a state of emergency. Such formulations, detached from the actual security situation assessment, understandably raise questions and concern among people.
I call on both ministries and politicians to be particularly responsible on this issue. Security is not a tool for pre-election rhetoric. One must not earn political points with people's fears.
If any ministry needs a special legal framework to ensure the continuous operation of hospitals, energy supply, water management, or other critical infrastructure in the event of a threat, the government will evaluate such proposals and make necessary decisions. That is our duty.
But technical and organizational state preparedness measures should not be presented to the public as if Latvia were on the brink of war.
Latvia is a safe country. We are a NATO member state. Allied forces are stationed in Latvia. Our airspace is continuously monitored, the eastern border is being strengthened, and our security services work together with the allies.
The government's task is to be ready even for the worst scenarios. That is precisely why we are strengthening state resilience and critical infrastructure.
So my call to the people of Latvia: let us live our daily lives, be calm but vigilant.
For politicians and state officials, my call is stricter - be responsible with what you say!
I ask journalists before publishing claims to contact and clarify what is meant by the draft order in the Cabinet of Ministers system.
🔴 In August, support for Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' political force 'United List' continued to grow, while the popularity of other coalition parties declined. Meanwhile, 'Stability!' and 'For Latvia's Development' crossed the 2% threshold. #IzvēliesLatvijasNākotnihttps://t.co/RMwTgrXtC5https://t.co/2tbxXimrin
🔴 In August, support for Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' political force 'United List' continued to grow, while the popularity of other coalition parties declined. Meanwhile, 'Stability!' and 'For Latvia's Development' crossed the 2% threshold. #IzvēliesLatvijasNākotnihttps://t.co/RMwTgrXtC5https://t.co/2tbxXimrin
There is a misunderstanding and incorrectly spread news/headlines in media = there is no threat to Latgale and no need to declare a state of emergency. It is just an unfortunate wording of the order's title and annotation from the document submitted by KEM @JanisVitenbergs on the TAP portal.
The ministry document's text is misleading and ambiguous (it is a mistake, the minister will correct it), but reading it in detail one can clearly understand both its meaning and essence - to introduce a legal framework for action in yellow and orange warning situations.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' address to the public
I want to clearly tell the people of Latvia: there is currently no reason for concern. Latvia's level of military threat has not changed. The risk of a direct military invasion threat to Latvia is currently low.
This is confirmed by the information available to our security services, and the President of the State has also publicly emphasized this.
Yes, we live in a time when Russia's war against Ukraine continues nearby. We must reckon with cyberattacks, sabotage attempts, provocations, drones, and other manifestations of hybrid warfare. That is why state services are operating in a heightened alert mode, we are strengthening the eastern border, and together with NATO allies we are continuously monitoring the situation.
However, preparedness for a potential threat is not the same as an immediate threat. These two things must not be confused.
Unfortunately, in recent days we see loud statements in the public space about "threats of escalation of Russia's military action" and the declaration of a state of emergency. Such formulations, detached from the actual security situation assessment, understandably raise questions and concern among people.
I call on both ministries and politicians to be particularly responsible on this issue. Security is not a tool for pre-election rhetoric. One must not earn political points with people's fears.
If any ministry needs a special legal framework to ensure the continuous operation of hospitals, energy supply, water management, or other critical infrastructure in the event of a threat, the government will evaluate such proposals and make necessary decisions. That is our duty.
But technical and organizational state preparedness measures should not be presented to the public as if Latvia were on the brink of war.
Latvia is a safe country. We are a NATO member state. Allied forces are stationed in Latvia. Our airspace is continuously monitored, the eastern border is being strengthened, and our security services work together with the allies.
The government's task is to be ready even for the worst scenarios. That is precisely why we are strengthening state resilience and critical infrastructure.
So my call to the people of Latvia: let us live our daily lives, be calm but vigilant.
For politicians and state officials, my call is stricter - be responsible with what you say!
I ask journalists before publishing claims to contact and clarify what is meant by the draft order in the Cabinet of Ministers system.
There is a misunderstanding and incorrectly spread news/headlines in media = there is no threat to Latgale and no need to declare a state of emergency. It is just an unfortunate wording of the order's title and annotation from the document submitted by KEM @JanisVitenbergs on the TAP portal.
The ministry document's text is misleading and ambiguous (it is a mistake, the minister will correct it), but reading it in detail one can clearly understand both its meaning and essence - to introduce a legal framework for action in yellow and orange warning situations.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' address to the public
I want to clearly tell the people of Latvia: there is currently no reason for concern. Latvia's level of military threat has not changed. The risk of a direct military invasion threat to Latvia is currently low.
This is confirmed by the information available to our security services, and the President of the State has also publicly emphasized this.
Yes, we live in a time when Russia's war against Ukraine continues nearby. We must reckon with cyberattacks, sabotage attempts, provocations, drones, and other manifestations of hybrid warfare. That is why state services are operating in a heightened alert mode, we are strengthening the eastern border, and together with NATO allies we are continuously monitoring the situation.
However, preparedness for a potential threat is not the same as an immediate threat. These two things must not be confused.
Unfortunately, in recent days we see loud statements in the public space about "threats of escalation of Russia's military action" and the declaration of a state of emergency. Such formulations, detached from the actual security situation assessment, understandably raise questions and concern among people.
I call on both ministries and politicians to be particularly responsible on this issue. Security is not a tool for pre-election rhetoric. One must not earn political points with people's fears.
If any ministry needs a special legal framework to ensure the continuous operation of hospitals, energy supply, water management, or other critical infrastructure in the event of a threat, the government will evaluate such proposals and make necessary decisions. That is our duty.
But technical and organizational state preparedness measures should not be presented to the public as if Latvia were on the brink of war.
Latvia is a safe country. We are a NATO member state. Allied forces are stationed in Latvia. Our airspace is continuously monitored, the eastern border is being strengthened, and our security services work together with the allies.
The government's task is to be ready even for the worst scenarios. That is precisely why we are strengthening state resilience and critical infrastructure.
So my call to the people of Latvia: let us live our daily lives, be calm but vigilant.
For politicians and state officials, my call is stricter - be responsible with what you say!
I ask journalists before publishing claims to contact and clarify what is meant by the draft order in the Cabinet of Ministers system.
There is a misunderstanding and incorrectly spread news/headlines in media = there is no threat to Latgale and no need to declare a state of emergency. It is just an unfortunate wording of the order's title and annotation from the document submitted by KEM @JanisVitenbergs on the TAP portal.
The ministry document's text is misleading and ambiguous (it is a mistake, the minister will correct it), but reading it in detail one can clearly understand both its meaning and essence - to introduce a legal framework for action in yellow and orange warning situations.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' address to the public
I want to clearly tell the people of Latvia: there is currently no reason for concern. Latvia's level of military threat has not changed. The risk of a direct military invasion threat to Latvia is currently low.
This is confirmed by the information available to our security services, and the President of the State has also publicly emphasized this.
Yes, we live in a time when Russia's war against Ukraine continues nearby. We must reckon with cyberattacks, sabotage attempts, provocations, drones, and other manifestations of hybrid warfare. That is why state services are operating in a heightened alert mode, we are strengthening the eastern border, and together with NATO allies we are continuously monitoring the situation.
However, preparedness for a potential threat is not the same as an immediate threat. These two things must not be confused.
Unfortunately, in recent days we see loud statements in the public space about "threats of escalation of Russia's military action" and the declaration of a state of emergency. Such formulations, detached from the actual security situation assessment, understandably raise questions and concern among people.
I call on both ministries and politicians to be particularly responsible on this issue. Security is not a tool for pre-election rhetoric. One must not earn political points with people's fears.
If any ministry needs a special legal framework to ensure the continuous operation of hospitals, energy supply, water management, or other critical infrastructure in the event of a threat, the government will evaluate such proposals and make necessary decisions. That is our duty.
But technical and organizational state preparedness measures should not be presented to the public as if Latvia were on the brink of war.
Latvia is a safe country. We are a NATO member state. Allied forces are stationed in Latvia. Our airspace is continuously monitored, the eastern border is being strengthened, and our security services work together with the allies.
The government's task is to be ready even for the worst scenarios. That is precisely why we are strengthening state resilience and critical infrastructure.
So my call to the people of Latvia: let us live our daily lives, be calm but vigilant.
For politicians and state officials, my call is stricter - be responsible with what you say!
I ask journalists before publishing claims to contact and clarify what is meant by the draft order in the Cabinet of Ministers system.
I would really like a simple explanation why Kulberg's government considers investments in wind energy bad, but questionable real estate projects – good.
APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS - Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija · Ministru prezidents
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@DzivojuLatvija@Apvienotais_ I can't, because the CIA itself must comment on that. I can only say one thing: the purpose of the visit is important and positive for Latvia. The USA is our ally.
🗳️ Ruta Pried APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS Latgale region No. 7 “I was born, grew up and live in Daaugavpils. I have worked in business, hospitality and tourism for more than 20 years, and in recent years - in the Latgale planning region, implementing projects for the development of of Latgale together with municipalities, entrepreneurs and educational institutions. Especially close to me is the field of re-emigration. I have met people who have returned home with experience, knowledge and a spark in their eyes. I want there to be more and more such people, because Latgale needs them greatly. I believe that change begins with work, honesty and the ability to cooperate. That is why I have decided to run in the 15th Saeima elections from the UNITED LIST. I want people in the regions to be heard and appreciated.. For Latgale entrepreneurs to have a stable and predictable environment. For people to have more opportunities to live, work and return home here. I want to be a strong voice for Latgale in the Saeima - with work, responsibility and real solutions.” #APVIENOTAISSARAKSTS#MumsIrRisinājums#KulberggsIrRisinājums#LatvijaMumsIrRisinājums#LatgaleMumsIrRisinājums#7Saraksts#SaeimasVēlēšanas2026
I would very much like a simple explanation why investments in wind energy are bad for the Kulbergs government, but in questionable real estate projects – good.
@JurgisLiepnieks Well Jurgi, Jurgi... the closer the elections, the more and more often they throw bile at Kulbergs. And the thought doesn't leave me that someone is paying for it this time too... I'd like to believe that you yourself understand that the big Andris is the best we've had in the last decade. It's very conspicuous this time around 😉