Latvian Political Monitor

🤝With the Saeima vote, the new ministers have been approved. NA has done and will do everything in its power to ensure that Latvia has a capable and predictable government in these months. #valdība https://t.co/9rWAFonSvK

In the program @KNL_LTV1, some opinions were expressed about the Rail Baltica project. I want to clearly clarify several important points, adding the presentation of the information report approved by the Government, which is publicly available: -Currently, adaptation of the main track DS4 section project is underway to fit within available funding, with the goal to optimize up to 200 million EUR. We see the average cost of this section for the embankment part at 11.45 million EUR/km, and in some sections even reaching 5.9 million EUR/km. Estonia's costs in an equivalent scope are 12.9 million EUR/km. -A solution was also found for the bridge over the Daugava, and a strong decision was made - not to build the bridge for 800 million euros. The Ministry of Transport proposes to optimize existing project solutions for the Dual Bridge and set total construction costs up to 280 million euros. Currently, the document is under coordination and needs to be submitted to the government meeting. -On information transparency. Almost all information reports on Rail Baltica have been declassified. Only five restricted-access documents remain, and in the near future the Ministry of Transport will declassify three more documents. -On the possibility of completing the project by 2030. During the meeting of the ministers of the three Baltic states this spring, I informed colleagues that it is not possible to complete the project in full scope across the entire Baltic territory by 2030. I emphasized that close coordination is needed so that we, all three Baltic countries, are not only informed about the precise progress of the project development and construction, but also work closely together to ensure the next European multi-annual fund financing for the Rail Baltica project, which is very decisive for the continuation of the project. https://t.co/OOSdv2Yr4U

🇱🇻 National competitiveness does not form on its own — behind it are concrete decisions and consistent work. For the second year in a row, the FICIL assessment of Latvia's investment attractiveness remains at the 3.0 level. That means investors see a more stable, predictable, and safer Latvia. In the Baltics, we are leaders in several important areas — from transparency to digitalization of public administration. And this is only the beginning. 🇱🇻 #Latvia #Investments #Economy #FICIL #Growth

Huge thank you to the entire Climate and Energy Ministry team for the opportunity given to me to be part of you and jointly shape Latvia's future🙏🏻. https://t.co/TZ81FSP9Mf

An inspiring final official meeting as Minister of Climate and Energy - with organizations that provide support to Ukraine. I am glad that in the new electric car program, with additional support, old cars can not only be written off but also sent to Ukraine to do good work.

Thank you to Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, colleagues in the government and Saeima, @Finmin, @vid_gov, @Valstskase, @CFLA_gov_lv, the State Real Estate team, the Latvian Patent Office teams, social and cooperation partners, and everyone with whom we worked together for Latvia! 🇱🇻 6/6

❗️The reputation of the Ministry of Finance has always been very important to me – perhaps a slightly conservative, but definitely professional and responsible institution – and we have managed to preserve it. 5/6

It is important to continue the started work - to introduce the new municipal financial equalization model, continue the modernization of public administration, transition to a results-oriented budgeting process & strengthen the efficiency of the public sector. These are complex but very necessary processes for the state. 4/6

The economy has returned to growth after stagnation 📈 We have implemented a significant labor tax reform, substantially increased investments, started changes in public administration modernization, implemented @vid_gov & public procurement reforms, strengthened lending..

We have ensured the transition to funding for strengthening defense capabilities of almost 5% of GDP. The defense budget has grown from €813 million in 2022 to more than €2.1 billion this year, or 4.7% of GDP. At the same time, we have maintained fiscal stability. 2/6

A very intense and challenging period of work comes to an end. I had the honor to lead @Finmin while we simultaneously strengthened national security, maintained fiscal stability, restored economic growth, and implemented public administration modernization measures. 🇱🇻 ..👉 https://t.co/fsDt1igF19

Mieriņa: the collapse of the Siliņa government began with the 'restart'

Before a final decision is made on the Baltic states supporting the transition to permanent summer time as the new standard time, a broader public discussion is necessary.

With US Congress representatives Don Bacon and Ed Case, we discussed Latvia-US cooperation in security and defense, US presence in Latvia, and support for Ukraine. Thank you for the US Congress's longstanding support for the security of the Baltic states. We also discussed the development of drone and counter-drone capabilities and cooperation with Ukraine, adopting its combat experience and promoting technology transfer. A positive example of military industry cooperation is the joint work of US company “Redwire” and drone manufacturer “Edge Autonomy” operating in Latvia. I also sincerely congratulate Don Bacon on being awarded Latvia's highest state decoration, the Order of the Three Stars.

At the opening of the second international Drone Summit, I highlighted Latvia's purposeful work in developing drone and counter-drone technologies in close cooperation with allies. The experience gained in the Drone Coalition and the exchange of technologies with partners provide a practical contribution to our security. Together with the Dutch Minister of Defence, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, we signed a Letter of Intent for closer cooperation in developing drone and counter-drone capabilities, including regular allied exercises at the Sēlija military training ground. This will strengthen our technological base and allied presence, which is essential for Latvia's defence.