Latvian Political Monitor

New Unity's path to Andris Kulbergs' (AS) Cabinet: the faction does not submit to Evika Siliņa's position. https://t.co/8nrXtpOz22 https://t.co/WcxiFhqmLm

The first thing a tourist sees at Riga airport is Russian-language press. The Saeima did not support the proposal to also issue it in Latvian in parallel. Last week, only 25 Saeima deputies voted for a proposal that provided for CSDD exams to be taken only in Latvian. But today, on Pentecost, I hear Russian pop loud rhythms in the very heart of Riga - Doma Square! It is played by the restaurant 'KEY OF RIGA'. Isn't it ironic? 35 years ago there were Barricades to prevent such a thing from happening. We have to change the rules again.

We must not divert attention from the aggressor's war crimes in Ukraine! Russia's massive attacks in recent days only indicate its weakness. The pressure of sanctions and international isolation against the occupiers must continue, as must military, diplomatic and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Latvia firmly supports Ukraine!

It is cynical and incomprehensible how low social media commenters can fall! Among them also the so-called commentators of political processes, former communication specialists and party political technologists https://t.co/Bz4g9ExNcE

In everyday life @RigasDome, dealing with SV and other enemies of the state, I think there is nowhere lower to fall, but these attacks, mocking the loss, are some mega disgusting level. https://t.co/cnST3ekZ3J

Russia, in its desperation and powerlessness, continues to murder Ukraine's civilians. Tonight, Kyiv experienced a particularly intense and brutal Russian attack on residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure. https://t.co/tkEHYlUssR

I am in contact with the responsible services working in the area of Lake Dridža in Krāslava Municipality after the fall and explosion of an unmanned aerial vehicle in the lake. I expect the services to provide as detailed information as possible about the circumstances and further action. I urge residents to follow official information.

About two types of cell broadcast messages in case of an airspace threat. Clear division: Yellow warning - be ready. Additional action is NOT currently required. Public transport continues to run. Orange warning - act. Go indoors, following the two-wall principle. Public transport passengers will not be left on the road! New trips will not be started, and neither trains nor buses will enter affected areas. Trips will continue if there are no direct threats and the area can be exited within 20 minutes. If that is not possible, they will go to the nearest major stop where shelter is available. Passengers will be informed about the continued movement of public transport, and after the threat is lifted, trips will resume.

Riga has announced that algorithms have been developed for action in case of drone threat alerts. The algorithms are divided into 3 stages – preparation, yellow warning and orange warning. Each has specific actions! Video: #presesklubs @tv24_lv #rigasdome

The issue of permits issued in Lithuania for Tesla to use its 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' system technology for autonomous driving has been brought up in society. It is important to use proven technologies on public roads in a specific environment, for which expert opinions have been provided. This creates safe road traffic. Latvia must be open to the use of new technologies, and even better is to get involved in the development of innovations. A test environment for developing autonomous systems is already being used.

The transformation of the National Armed Forces must continue, regardless of the change of government. The changes must be implemented structurally and practically, integrating new technologies. I have been driving these changes from the first day in the ministerial position, and together with the NBS, lessons from Ukraine have been purposefully introduced. We agreed on the next steps: the establishment of a Transformation Command that would ensure the development of doctrines, adaptation of training, and coordination of the introduction of new capabilities together with our industry. The transformation also includes the fastest possible introduction of autonomous solutions at the border. Currently, the NBS is receiving Latvian-made interceptor drones, and soon the army's arsenal will also be supplemented by the MEROPS interceptor drones widely used in Ukraine. Unit training is underway, integration into communication systems and command and control, and alignment with NATO fighter jet use for airspace defense. It is important for the next government to continue the implementation of the decisions already made, so that previous investments lead as quickly as possible to a safer airspace. I appreciate that the NBS has initiated systemic changes and is ready to continue them.

Hard to say whether @ViktorsValainis is deliberately misleading or demonstrating his incompetence. 1. Does the Minister of Economics really not understand why a 330-meter-long ferry cannot enter and turn around in the center of Riga? 2. Is the Minister of Economics unaware of the Riga Freeport's investment plans for the coming years? He kind of should know. 3. Viktors Valainis is certainly informed about how @SlesersAinars, as Minister of Transport, made a decision to reduce the Riga Freeport territory in the center of Riga (Riga Passenger Port, Andrejosta, Andrejsala and Eksportosta) and hand over the territory to persons close to him, so that he himself could later acquire them? Now part of this territory is planned for the Waterfront project. Today, society and the city of Riga are very dependent on the decisions and investments of these new private owners as to whether ferries and cruise ships could arrive in the center of Riga. 4. The Minister of Economics could explain and specify what promises he has made in meetings with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, as well as with Ainārs Šlesers' close friend Mohamed Ali Alabbar. Will this in any way affect A. Šlesers and Riga Ropax Terminal's ability to sell their properties in Eksportosta to the mentioned investors? Is the minister ready to attract EM or LIAA funds? Or is it easier to shift all responsibility onto Riga. And finally - Mr. Valainis, honestly say whether public state and municipal money is planned in the interests of some private entrepreneur?

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Using the electric car support program for profiteering is unacceptable, so today I turned to @PTACgovLV and @KPgovLV to have the publicly reported cases checked, while also asking for proposals on how to prevent such cases in the future.

With the board of the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia, we discussed the work done to strengthen the investment environment and reduce bureaucracy. FICIL also presented the latest results of the Foreign Investment Environment Index. I highly value FICIL's constructive partnership and contribution to creating a predictable and competitive business environment. The jointly implemented solutions have given a significant boost to Latvia as a stable and attractive investment environment. Thank you for the cooperation and professional dialogue that has significantly helped strengthen the foundations of Latvia's economic growth.

Viktor! A 330 m long ferry cannot turn around further up the Daugava. This year the dike will be demolished and a deeper turning area will be dug opposite Kundziņsala, then it will be possible. And also, have you forgotten that the representative appointed by the Ministry of Economics chairs the Riga Port board, but there is no representative of the Riga municipality there, because ZZS is blocking the port reform?

The United Nations needs reforms and a reduction of Russia's role. Meeting with candidate for Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. https://t.co/ozBTXdvLQ4