Ministry considers long-term aid for Ukrainians in Latvia

Take note – story published 1 year ago

With hotels being too expensive and housing difficult to find due to problems entering the job market, the context of Ukrainian refugees has created a lot of tension for local governments, which require a clear long-term plan. Interior Ministry now offers municipalities to purchase mattresses and consider food parcels instead of catering, Latvian Television reported May 26.

The Saeima decided on Wednesday that support for housing and catering Ukrainian refugees would be extended by 30 days. In the meantime, the Interior Ministry was asked to develop a plan for what to do afterward while being more frugal. 

State reserves have been exhausted, instead, local governments might have to buy beds and mattresses, accommodate refugees, and get paid for that. Catering is planned with food packages provided by the municipality. This is the intention, there are no specific decisions yet.

"And today, for the first time since the war began, municipalities have met with the Prime Minister. For example, there are more than 1,000 refugees in Jelgava. We need to prepare, organize so that these civilians can live in dormitories. We could provide them with food, or they would provide themselves with food or accommodation. And of course it would be in schools,” said Andris Rāviņš, president of the Jelgava City Council.

The proposals to address the problems will be collected again this week, followed by forthcoming decisions.

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Related articles

More

Most important