Latvian Political Monitor

From@VKleinbergs

We all know that the reconstruction of the Vanšu Bridge will be one of the most important construction works in the country. This bridge is important not only for Riga residents, but for all inhabitants of Latvia. I want to emphasize that the plans have not changed: the major reconstruction works will begin in autumn 2027, and significant traffic restrictions are not expected until then. Given the current information, the conclusion is clear—the most optimal solution is a temporary bridge. It would significantly reduce congestion, so I have instructed the department to prepare a solution for installing a temporary bridge. And until the temporary bridge is installed, I will not allow traffic to be closed. That is why we have a choice—either rent a temporary bridge for up to 20 million euros, or order a new one for the same amount. We concluded that it is economically more advantageous not to 'burn' 20 million euros on rent, but to buy a new temporary bridge that the state could use in its material reserves after the construction works. Such a bridge would be useful not only for Riga, but for the whole country, if we talk about civil and military security. To accomplish this task, cooperation between Riga and the state is needed. Therefore, I have already discussed this issue with the Minister of Transport, this week I will go to the Saeima, meet with LTRK and the Ministry of Finance, and I have also sent a letter to the Prime Minister with an invitation to meet and agree on cooperation. This can be a good example where the state cooperates with Riga, and everyone benefits. Therefore, I am confident in the possibility of reaching an agreement.

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From@AndrisKulbergs

⛽️ FUEL PRICES The rise in fuel prices is a huge problem for Latvia and all of Europe. It directly hits people's wallets and makes almost everything more expensive: 🚗 private transport, 🚆 trains, 🚌 buses, ✈️ aviation, 🚛 logistics, 🚒 firefighting, 🚓 police, 🚑 emergency medical services The rise in fuel prices also means higher prices in stores and additional pressure on inflation. It reduces the purchasing power of money and in winter will directly affect both consumption and the cost of living. It's important to understand – there is no direct correlation between the price of oil on the exchange and the fuel price at the filling station, especially for diesel. Fuel traders do not buy finished fuel on the oil exchange. The prices of finished oil products are largely formed by PLATTS international fuel price indices. 🛢️ Diesel is a particular problem. Diesel price and availability can become a long-term problem because global refining capacity is disrupted. 🇷🇺 In Russia, a significant part of fuel refining capacity is out of order. Russia has restricted fuel exports because it needs to supply its own market, and some products are also purchased from 🇨🇳 China. This increases tension in the global fuel market and demand for diesel. 🇱🇻 This is particularly important for Latvia, as about 67% of our car fleet is diesel cars. ❄️ An additional problem comes in winter – winter diesel production also uses aviation fuel or kerosene fractions, so in the cold season competition for these raw materials increases even more. 🏛️ The government will decide this week on measures to reduce fuel prices to the allowable minimum, using all tools available to the government. Planned solutions: ➖️ reduced excise duty – approximately -8 cents/litre ➖️ abolition of fuel reserve requirement costs – approximately -8 cents/litre ➖️ abolition of bio-additive requirement – approximately -4 cents/litre 💶 Total possible reduction – up to 20 cents per litre. On Wednesday, we will submit the decisions adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers to the Saeima Budget and Finance Committee for further progress in the Saeima. The goal – for the fuel price reduction to take effect from 1 October to 31 December. 🌍 The biggest external risk right now is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy arteries, through which significant supplies of: 🛢️ oil ⛽️ petrol and diesel products ✈️ aviation fuel 🔥 LNG gas 🌾 and mineral fertiliser raw materials are provided. Hostilities, uncertainty, damage to oil infrastructure and disruptions to refineries in the Middle East directly affect fuel prices worldwide. 🇵🇱 Today I have a planned conversation with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. One of the issues will also be the ORLEN refinery in Mažeikiai and fuel availability in our region. ⚠️ If the situation in the Middle East does not improve, the European Union could reach a situation where the issue is no longer just about the fuel price. A common fuel availability problem could also arise. We will follow the situation and act. I will report on further developments. #hormuz #degviela

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From@nralv

How is Riga doing with the construction of cultural objects and attracting culture connoisseurs – political scientist Filips Rajevskis' conversation with Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis (National Alliance) and former Riga mayor and non-attached Saeima deputy Olegs Burovs: https://t.co/ZI33dlwf8Y https://t.co/mrZYqG7uzD

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From@nralv

What is Riga's place in the cultural space of the Baltic region, will we manage to regain the dominant role – political scientist Filips Rajevskis' conversation with culture minister Nauris Puntulis (NA) and former Riga mayor and non-faction Saeima deputy Oļegs Burovs: https://t.co/ZI33dlwf8Y https://t.co/uwFVnq9Nhg

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