As reported, the coalition conceptually agreed on the compensation for the increase of energy bills for households on Monday. It is not yet decided about businesses and other types of energy consumers, like hospitals.
“We can afford it [the aid], and we actually have no choice. Russia's brutal war in Ukraine causes brutal consequences in Ukraine itself, in the rest of the world it is price inflation, especially in terms of energy resources,” Kariņš said.
He also said that one of the side effects of inflation is higher government budget revenues, which can be reallocated to support the population.
“I anticipate that aid will still grow for us as a whole. When we have finally decided on support for households, we have to look at how we can help our businesses to maintain their competitiveness,” the Prime Minister said.
Asked about support for hospitals in the energy crisis, the politician said: “We have a lot of categories. Systemically we go through everything and see where and how we should best help."
In case there is a shortage of natural gas, it will be felt not only in Latvia but throughout the region, said Kariņš. “These are circumstances that we are not expecting right now. Looks like we and the others will have enough for the whole season. But we have to keep our eyes open,” the politician said.
