Society
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.
First six expulsion orders issued to Russian citizens in Latvia
First six expulsion orders issued to Russian citizens in Latvia
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) has issued the first six exit orders to Russian citizens who have not submitted any documents to request a residence permit for living in Latvia. Two of them have already left Latvia, said Maira Roze, head of PMLP, in an interview with the Latvian Television “Morning Panorama” March 8.
Judge's decision under scrutiny in domestic violence case
Judge's decision under scrutiny in domestic violence case
The President of the Supreme Court Aigars Strupišs has called for an evaluation of the professional activity of Judge Valdis Muižnieks of the Zemgale District Court, following Muižnieks' decision to revoke a restraining order for an abuser, the Supreme Court said March 6. 
Firefighters: Almost impossible to access rural remote houses
Firefighters: Almost impossible to access rural remote houses
Last year, 68 people died in fires in Latvia, the lowest number in 20 years. This statistic includes not only people who died in cities, but also in villages and rural homesteads. Firefighters say that rural fires are not always reached in time because homesteads are far apart, and road conditions also hamper the access, Latvian Radio reported March 5. 

Finally, signs of spring have appeared in Latgale. Slippery, ice-covered roads have been replaced by mud. For residents and the services, it is a testing time. 
Latvia plans stricter supervision on pet breeding
Latvia plans stricter supervision on pet breeding
The owner or keeper of a pet will have a duty to register the fact of reproduction of the animal, according to a proposal supported at the meeting of the National Economy, Agrarian, Environment and Regional Policy Commission on Wednesday, February 28.
Russian tourists in 2024? No thanks, says Latvia
Russian tourists in 2024? No thanks, says Latvia
Latvia's government on February 27 decided to extend restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens to the country given Russia's continuing aggression in Ukraine and it "still posing threat to the internal security of Latvia".
More rescued and fewer dead in fires last year
More rescued and fewer dead in fires last year
Last year, 68 people died in fires in Latvia, the lowest number in recent years. 257 people were injured in the fires, as many as a year prior, but the number rescued has increased, according to statistics compiled by the Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) on February 27.
Police remind smoking is banned in many public places
Police remind smoking is banned in many public places
For many years, in Latvia, it has been prohibited to smoke in cafes, parks, educational institution areas, public transport stops and many other public places. According to Riga Municipal Police (RPP), more than 300 smoking-related violations were detected in the capital in 2023, reports Latvian Television's 4. studija.
Business pledges support for Ukrainian kids' camps
Business pledges support for Ukrainian kids' camps
In response to an appeal by the "Entrepreneurs for Peace" foundation to support holiday camps for children of  Ukrainian soldiers this summer, Draugiem Group company Printful has announced it will fund two camps, allowing more than 60 children to enjoy time away from the war.
Survey: One in three Latvian residents think Ukraine should compromise
Survey: One in three Latvian residents think Ukraine should compromise
Two years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, one in three or 34.3% of Latvian residents surveyed by the pollster SKDS and Latvian Television's "What is happening in Latvia/KNL" program, think that it would be better if war stopped even  if Ukraine has to agree to compromises on its behalf. 
Rēzekne's Ukrainians to hold support event February 24
Rēzekne's Ukrainians to hold support event February 24
Around 300 Ukrainian refugees have found their second home in Rēzekne, at least temporarily. Many of them have been living in Rēzekne for over a year and are gradually becoming part of the labor market and cultural life. Rēzekne's locals and Ukrainian refugees have decided to hold support events for Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia's war.
Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Latvia share their stories
Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Latvia share their stories
For more than a year, the Ukrainian Olga's restaurant “Green Pumpkin.UA” and Irina's Cafe “Smakoliki” have been open in Latvia. Olga and Irina did not use to work in the catering sector in Ukraine, but when the Russian invasion began they came here and decided to start their businesses and offer a small part of Ukraine to Latvia. Latvian Radio visited the restaurants on February 20.
Call for moment of silence for Ukraine on Saturday
Call for moment of silence for Ukraine on Saturday
Two years ago, on February 24, 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine. In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Saeima Chairwoman Daiga Mieriņa, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Foreign Minister Krišjānis Kariņš are inviting all Latvian residents to unite in a moment of silence on Saturday, February 24, at 9:00 AM.
Many Latvian apartments are still very energy inefficient
Many Latvian apartments are still very energy inefficient
Many people in Latvia received large heating bills this month, not only because it's winter and January was cold, but also because a great many people still live in energy-inefficient homes, reports Latvian Radio.
Hundreds of Latvian pupils prepare big donation for Ukraine
Hundreds of Latvian pupils prepare big donation for Ukraine
Although it is difficult to surprise activists of the Ukraine-supporting association “Your Friends”, Latvian school students have managed to do so. Several hundred students in 100 Latvian schools have responded to the call to provide donations to soldiers, Latvian Television reported on February 18.
Transparency watchdog: Latvia's corruption cops should be seen more
Transparency watchdog: Latvia's corruption cops should be seen more
The situation in Latvia is improving marginally in international anti-corruption ratings. The work of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) to prevent bribery is not visible, Inese Tauriņa, head of "Society for Openness – Delna", said in an interview with Latvian Radio on February 14.
January's heating bills an unpleasant surprise for many
January's heating bills an unpleasant surprise for many
The January cold spell is particularly felt this month in heating bills.The largest housing manager – “Riga House Manager” (Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks, RNP)  points out that the bill may even be twice as high for some households, Latvian Television reported on February 12.
Bogus residency declarations can cause a headache for householders
Bogus residency declarations can cause a headache for householders
When a person changes their place of residence, the law stipulates that they must declare their new place of residence within 30 days. In general this is a simple process and can be done at the municipality where the place of residence is located, or via the "Latvija.lv" portal with just a few clicks.

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