September 15 marked the anniversary of Siliņa's installation as Prime Minister, and the government – consisting of her 'New Unity' party plus the 'Progressives' and the 'Greens and Farmers Union' (ZZS) – released a list of its claimed achievements in what has been an interesting and occasionally turbulent year.
“Significant changes are taking place in the areas of health, labor taxation, education and red tape reduction, and we have also made internal and external security a government priority which is being consistently followed," said Siliņa in describing the actions of her government – Latvia's 42nd executive in all.
"We are working so that the changes will bring real benefits to the people of Latvia - lower drug prices for patients, smaller bureaucratic labyrinths for entrepreneurs and a more competitive tax system, better quality education for children in unified Latvian-language schools, and everyone could feel safe – in their home and in their country. Let's continue the ideas that have already been started, as well as focus on practical, implementable works to support Latvian entrepreneurs," the Prime Minister added.
Defense and security was singled out as one of the prime areas in which the government has been active, particularly the signing of agreements for the purchase of the "IRIS-T" airspace defense system, the "Naval Strike Missile" coastal defense system and the "HIMARS" missile artillery system.
It was also mentioned that spending on defense now exceeds 3% of GDP or the first time – though reaching that landmark figure earlier than expected is in part due to the relatively sluggish performance of the economy as a whole.
The government also doubled down on its claim that the country's gross domestic product "will double over the next ten years, so that it reaches 83 billion euros in 2035," which has been questioned by some economists as unlikely.
Less contentious claims about the Siliņa government's achievements included increases in healthcare funding worth 275 million euros and the passing of the law on registered partnerships which provides that two adults (regardless of sex) can register their relationship with a notary.
"With the government's support, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence was ratified. The courts, the prosecutor's office, and the police have strengthened cooperation in order to reduce domestic violence," the government added.
However, the lenghty list of achievements notably omitted any mention by the government of the Rail Baltica inrastructure project which is currently the main albatross around its neck.
