Saturday, April 20

Name day: Mirta, Ziedīte

Public broadcasting of Latvia
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"De facto"

Latvian Television

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Recovery of wasted funds to be considered in 'Air Kariņš' case
Recovery of wasted funds to be considered in 'Air Kariņš' case
Last week, a lengthy audit of former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš' use of special flights during his time as PM was published. The auditor concluded that hundreds of thousands of euros were both unlawfully and uneconomically used. The possibility to get the money back will be assessed in criminal proceedings, Latvian Television's De Facto reported April 14.
Civil protection preparedness still lukewarm in Latvia
Civil protection preparedness still lukewarm in Latvia
Hope for the best but expect the worst – this was the motto with which Latvian municipalities were asked to update their civil protection plans in the event of a military threat following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Some have still not done so, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on April 14.
University ethics codes probed by LTV
University ethics codes probed by LTV
After the ethics scandal at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, questions arose about higher education ethics in general. The codes of ethics of the largest state-owned universities most often contain general requirements to observe "good behavior" or "generally accepted norms of behavior", according to Latvian Television's De Facto.
Year passes since murder in Jēkabpils; authorities work on prevention
Year passes since murder in Jēkabpils; authorities work on prevention
This month will mark one year since the brutal murder when Leons Rusiņš killed his ex-wife in front of their child and the wife's mother. It was not only the atrocity that shocked the public but also the failure of law enforcement authorities to prevent it – they knew that Rusiņš had been stalking the woman. Latvian Television's De Facto looked at what has changed in prevention work and penalties for stalkers over the year.
Holes in Latvia's import ban from Russia
Holes in Latvia's import ban from Russia
In February, the Saeima decided to ban the import of Russian and Belarusian agricultural and animal feed products into Latvia. The ban was intended only for products consumed in Latvia, as Latvia does not have the right to stop transit. Latvian Television's De Facto, aired April 8, found out that some loopholes were deliberately left in the national sanctions.
What to do about Kremlin supporters in Latvia?
What to do about Kremlin supporters in Latvia?
Less than a thousand of the 40,000 Russian citizens living in Latvia who are eligible to vote turned out for the so-called "elections" of the Russian President, which took place in Riga just a week ago. A large number did not hide their support for Putin. Latvian Television's "De facto" broadcast, aired March 24, tried to find out what has been done to reduce the ranks of war supporters in Latvia.
Rail Baltica was not built in a day, and unlikely in six years
Rail Baltica was not built in a day, and unlikely in six years
By dividing the construction of Rail Baltica into stages, the total cost could be reduced, according to the Transport Ministry. However, even if it manages to attract all the hoped-for European money, there is still no answer on how to finance the missing part, which is about three billion euros by 2030, reports the Latvian Televizija (LTV) broadcast De Facto on March 24.
LTV looks at companies transporting manganese ore through Latvia
LTV looks at companies transporting manganese ore through Latvia
While politicians are still talking about possible sanctions on manganese ore, Russia's own decision to nationalize the largest recipient of the ore - the Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant - has had a tangible effect on the movement of these cargoes through Latvia. Latvian companies now have problems handling cargo related to this plant due to the sanctions imposed against Russia, concludes Latvian Television's "De facto" aired March 24.
Former Putin propagandist prefers not to return to Russia
Former Putin propagandist prefers not to return to Russia
A former leading employee of the Russian propaganda channel Sputnik, Marat Kasem (Marats Kasems in Latvian), has decided not to return to Russia after his release from detention, reported LTV's De Facto investigative show March 17. 
LMT leaves Latvian defense industry union
LMT leaves Latvian defense industry union
One of the founders and most influential members of the Latvian Security and Defense Industries Federation (LDAIF), the state-owned company Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), has quit the federation after expressing dissatisfaction with its management, reports the Latvian Television broadcast De Facto on March 18.
Latvia plans improvements to joint video surveillance system
Latvia plans improvements to joint video surveillance system
Following the attack on the Museum of the Occupation, plans are underway to speed up the establishment of a comprehensive video surveillance network throughout Latvia. The first step is to identify what is already there and what can be used. Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) has been tasked to do this within a month, reports Latvian Television's "De Facto" on March 10.
'Next!' – medical politician doubles up on parliamentary duties
'Next!' – medical politician doubles up on parliamentary duties
A doctor's profession is one of the few that members of the Saeima can combine with a political position. In this regard, member of parliament and medical doctor Juris Jakovins (Greens and Farmers Union) has raised the combination of workloads to a new level. 
Latvian plywood producer objects to publishing company owner identity
Latvian plywood producer objects to publishing company owner identity
A case has been brought before the Constitutional Court that may affect Latvia's progress towards transparency in the business environment in recent years. By July 1 this year all joint stock companies must disclose their owners to the Enterprise Registry, which publishes the shareholder lists on its information portal. However, several shareholders of "Latvijas finieris" have appealed to the Constitutional Court, Latvian Television's De Facto reported March 3.
Ventspils sells forest with protected habitats for felling
Ventspils sells forest with protected habitats for felling
Ventspils Municipality Council decided not long before the new year to sell a forest in Pope civil parish Dumbrāji for felling despite the fact that specially protected species are located here, as well as habitats of European Union importance, reports the Latvian Television broadcast De Facto on March 3.
Latvia puts too much work into sending out penalties: LTV's De Facto
Latvia puts too much work into sending out penalties: LTV's De Facto
Although speed cameras working on roads in Latvia have been verified as accurate, both the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) and the State Police are involved in the preparation of violation penalty protocols. Efforts are being made to ensure as little human involvement as possible, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on February 25.
Bidder excluded from power grid procurement over security concerns
Bidder excluded from power grid procurement over security concerns
The Latvian electricity transmission provider High Voltage Network (Augstsprieguma tīkls, AST) signed a €77 million contract with Rolls-Royce Solutions last week to supply high-capacity battery systems. Another bidder, meanwhile, was excluded from the procurement over security concerns, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on February 18.
Latvian Russian Union's leaders summoned by security service
Latvian Russian Union's leaders summoned by security service
In connection with the public information about possible contacts of the leader of the Latvian Russian Union and current MEP Tatjana Ždanoka with Russian special services, both Ždanoka herself and the party co-chairman Miroslavs Mitrofanovs went to a conversation with the State Security Service (VDD) last week, reported Latvian Television's De Facto on February 12.
Poor EU funding management leads to plan revisions in Latvia
Poor EU funding management leads to plan revisions in Latvia
Misfortunes in the previous European Union funding period, including the delayed delivery of new trains and other frictions, have led to a revision of funds and plans to possibly abandon some transport development projects, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on Sunday, February 4. 
Debate ongoing about future of former 'Moscow House' in Rīga
Debate ongoing about future of former 'Moscow House' in Rīga
The so-called “Moscow House” in Rīga went into state ownership in late January, and previous landlords and tenants have left the premises. Soon, the Cabinet of Ministers should decide on the future fate of the property, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on February 4.
Farmers say aid for last year's drought is meager
Farmers say aid for last year's drought is meager
Last week, livestock farms finally received long-awaited compensations for both the sharp drop in milk prices in the previous winter and the extreme drought that prevented preparing animal feed. Aid has been paid for two-thirds of registered animals. However, according to the Latvian Television broadcast De Facto of January 29, the aid equals to a half a roll of hay per bovine animal.
LTV's De Facto looks at Latvia's petroleum gas imports from Russia
LTV's De Facto looks at Latvia's petroleum gas imports from Russia
Although statistics for December are not yet available, it is clear that Latvian imports from Russia exceeded half a billion euros last year. The largest section is not much-discussed grains, which mostly do not remain in Latvia, but mineral products, especially liquefied petroleum gas, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on January 21.
How to help foreign students stay in Latvia?
How to help foreign students stay in Latvia?
In Latvia, approximately 14% of all students come from abroad. Although educated people with a university diploma are always named as one way to add quality workforce in Latvia, foreign graduates remain here rarely, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on January 21. 
Why can tax debtors win state procurements in Latvia?
Why can tax debtors win state procurements in Latvia?
Officially, in Latvia there are currently no companies with tax debts under public contracts. In practice, however, cases can be found where the tax debt to the firm has disappeared just when it is checked by the procurement commission and then reappeared, reported Latvian Television's De Facto broadcast on January 7.
Study shows pesticides used widely in Latvia
Study shows pesticides used widely in Latvia
Last year, out of 42 pollen samples taken in six different places in Latvia, 38 different residues of plant protection products or pesticides were found, including three banned substances, reported the Latvian Television broadcast De Facto on January 8.
Will Latvia succeed in cutting medicine prices?
Will Latvia succeed in cutting medicine prices?
Another attempt to cut medicine prices, announced by the Ministry of Health (VM), has, as usual faced opposition from the industry, especially its big players. So far, efforts by the ministry to change things have ended with plan postponement for several years. Latvian Television's De Facto attempted to figure out whether this time would be different in its show aired December 17.
Police will still have to wait for wage increases: LTV's De Facto
Police will still have to wait for wage increases: LTV's De Facto
Although next year's state budget foresees an increase in salaries of the State Police, it is insufficient to solve the enormous problems, the industry estimates. Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) promises more tangible financial support from 2025, Latvian Television's De Facto reported December 10.
Sharp debate continues on VAT rate on produce: LTV's De Facto
Sharp debate continues on VAT rate on produce: LTV's De Facto
One of the most controversial issues in next year's state budget discussions is the issue of value-added tax (VAT) on vegetables, fruits, and berries grown in Latvia, which at the end of November resulted in an industry request to resign Finance Minister Arvils Aseradens, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on December 4..
De Facto questions former PM Kariņš' private jet usage
De Facto questions former PM Kariņš' private jet usage
Former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) used private jets for 18 foreign trips in the past three years. Opposition deputies recently questioned the justification of this, and Latvian Television's De Facto also attempted to have a look at the matter on November 26.