Instead of the initially proposed 35, therefore, the number of municipalities in Latvia will be reduced from 119 to 36.
Pūce mentioned that the new municipality will be in Pierīga (the area immediately surrounding the capital), but refused to elaborate.
He also remarked that the territorial reform had been altered based on local governments' recommendations.
“We have assessed the population’s dynamic, growth and mobility, and we have determined that it is possible to create a new mode [of administrative reform]. Nevertheless, all criteria established at the start remain in place,” said Pūce.
The ministry’s report will be submitted to the government next week. It will have to be coordinated with all relevant state institutions and Latvian Association of Local Governments.
