10 questions to: Latvia's Centrist Party

Take note – story published 5 years ago

Ahead of October 6 parliamentary elections we bring you some question and answer sheets from each of the 16 competing parties, listed in the order in which they will appear on ballot papers. The sixth installment concerns the little-known "Latvijas centriskā partija" ("Latvia's centrist party").

1. Do you plan to reduce public administration?

We want to cut it at least by half, for it to reach a basic level of rentability which the Latvian value-adder can support, paying taxes that are at least as low as in the older EU contries.

2. What are the three ministries that you would most like to lead?

The Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. In what way should the work of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) be changed?

This instrument of political parties' affairs should be disbanded and its duties should be overtaken by the State Audit office. 

4. Should Latvia remain within the EU and NATO? 

We should obtain equivalent rules for all, including direct payments and taxes, with those of the "first-speed" Europe, reforming the EU into a federalized body. Or else, we should leave the shameful and inadequate role we have in the EU. We should make it so that NATO pays Latvia for deploying its military contingent on Latvian soil, and it should be limited by the Saeima. Otherwise, we should leave this organization, at the same time preserving neutrality. 

5. Should the payday loan business in Latvia be limited, and if so, how?

It should be abolished. 

6. Name three measures that could greatly boost the income of the state budget?

We should drastically cut state administrative expenses, thereby reducing taxes and creating a favorable environment for the development of private, but most of all state-owned companies and businesses.

7. Do you support the Cohabitation Act, which would also provide a basis for legal relations for same-sex couples?

No. If we gave such couples a legal foundation we would also allow them to adopt and bring up, for example, children taken from other families by the iuvenal justice, ceding control over their upbringing or what uses they are put to.

8. Which political forces do you consider as potential allies, and which would you refuse to work with?

All the forces which want to cooperate.

9. What should be changed as concerns the real estate tax?

A progressive real estate tax should be introduced, while taxes for the sole property in which the owner lives should be abolished.

10. What are the three main measures that should be taken to improve healthcare in Latvia?

1. Free healthcare

2. Setting up state-run drug factories and a network of pharmacies with low, state-guaranteed prices

3. There should be a law making the pharmaceutical industry sell drugs to Latvian state-owned pharmacies for the cost of production

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