Jānis Kincis

Latvian Radio

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Municipal leaders will be subject to more security checks
Municipal leaders will be subject to more security checks
Local government officials will need a special permit for access to state secrets, the Saeima decided on Thursday, March 21, endorsing in the final reading amendments to the law proposed by the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Latvia-Belarus border to be under enhanced surveillance again
Latvia-Belarus border to be under enhanced surveillance again
Once again, the flow of migrants from Belarus to Latvia is increasing. Less than a month after an increased border protection mode was suspended, the Ministry of the Interior will encourage it to reinstate it, Latvian Radio reported Monday, March 4.
Rīga promises biowaste containers in coming months
Rīga promises biowaste containers in coming months
As of March 1 in Rīga it is mandatory to install biodegradable waste sorting containers near apartment buildings. So far, this has been partly satisfactory, with around 2,000 organic waste containers installed and another 5,000 needed. They will be introduced in the coming months, Latvian Radio reported.
Public urged to be cautious traveling outside EU, NATO member states
Public urged to be cautious traveling outside EU, NATO member states
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is warning that not only people mentioned on Russia's reported 'wanted list' but by anyone from Latvia considering going outside EU and NATO member states to third countries should consider their situation carefully.
Latvian political parties not yet ready with EP election lists
Latvian political parties not yet ready with EP election lists
Political forces are still preparing lists of candidates for starting in the European Parliament (EP) elections. This process is characterized by the attraction of non-political candidates, internal competition, as well as pending decisions, Latvian Radio reported January 15.
Listing public companies to be discussed by Latvian government
Listing public companies to be discussed by Latvian government
The long-debated idea in Latvia to list shares of state-owned companies on the stock exchange will soon be on the government's table. The first company that could end up on the stock exchange is airBaltic. When others get there is not quite clear, Latvian Radio reported on January 9.
Passport issue fees might not double after all
Passport issue fees might not double after all
The passport issue fee will increase this year, but not double, as it was announced late last year, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) said at a meeting of the Saeima Parliamentary Inquiry Committee January 3.
Bank asks politicians to reassess nationalization of 'Moscow House'
Bank asks politicians to reassess nationalization of 'Moscow House'
In a letter to the Saeima, the commercial bank “Rietumu Banka” has invited the parliament to reassess the nationalization plans of the 'Moscow House' in Rīga, Marijas Street 7, warning about the consequences for Latvian merchants whose assets are located in Russia. The Commission responsible could assess this aspect, but not delay the takeover of the Moscow House, Latvian Radio reported on January 2.
General practitioners concerned about service maintenance
General practitioners concerned about service maintenance
At the end of this year, the contract of general practitioners (GPs) with the National Health Service (NVD) expires. Not all GPs have signed a new one yet, since according to  Alise Nicmane-Aišpure, President of the Association of General Practitioners of Latvia, no association requirement has been implemented, Latvian Radio reported December 28.
Latvia plans to reclaim 'Moscow House' and give it to Ukraine
Latvia plans to reclaim 'Moscow House' and give it to Ukraine
The Saeima will advance a law on the acquisition of the so-called Moscow House building in Riga, Marijas Street 7, into state ownership for approval in January. If this happens, the building is intended to be used to assist Ukraine or to be given to Ukraine, Latvian Radio reported on December 12.
Istanbul convention ratified by Saeima(update)
Istanbul convention ratified by Saeima(update)
On November 30 Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, supported the draft law intended to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention and Suppression of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, commonly known as the Istanbul Convention.
Rīga restaurant claims Latvia's first Michelin star
Rīga restaurant claims Latvia's first Michelin star
A Latvian restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for the first time. The Michelin star system is a widely recognized ranking of gastronomic excellence produced by the Michelin Guides publisher.
Opposition MPs question former PM Kariņš' flying habits
Opposition MPs question former PM Kariņš' flying habits
The opposition of the Saeima has drawn attention to the fact that former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) has used private jets 18 times to go on foreign visits, which has cost 613,000 euros from the state budget. The opposition's submission was examined by the responsible committee, but the matter will not be further raised, Latvian Radio reported Wednesday.
Partnership law to be viewed by parliament next week
Partnership law to be viewed by parliament next week
The Legal Affairs Committee of the Saeima has directed the package of draft laws regarding the introduction of a new legal institute – partnership – to the parliamentary meeting this week and the final reading next week, Latvian Radio reported October 31.
Municipal referendum introduction to be pushed back
Municipal referendum introduction to be pushed back
The Ministry of the Interior has proposed the postponement of the introduction of municipal referendums for two years – until 2026, because it is impossible to get the necessary system ready by January 1. However, during the discussion in the Saeima on Monday, October 30, a compromise was reached – to postpone the introduction of local referendums until September next year, reports Latvian Radio.  
New bridge might be built in Salacgrīva
New bridge might be built in Salacgrīva
It is planned to build a new bridge instead of the currently partially closed one in the northern city Salacgrīva. Its costs are estimated at EUR 15 million and by the end of the year there will be clarity as to how some of it can be covered by the financial support for European Military Mobility, Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens said at the responsible Saeima committee Wednesday, Latvian Radio reports.
Large migrant group stopped in forest near Rīga
Large migrant group stopped in forest near Rīga
A van carrying migrants who had crossed the Latvian border illegally was detained in the Tīraine forest area of Olaine parish on Wednesday, October 4. A group of 23 men have been detained, according to the State Border Guard, Latvian Radio reported October 5.
Rīga mayor has questions about temporary tarmac
Rīga mayor has questions about temporary tarmac
Riga Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis (New Unity) asks for clarification of the conditions regarding the laying of temporary asphalt on Slokas Street to accommodate the World Road Running Championship over the weekend. There is no answer to the question of how much it has cost and who will cover it, Latvian Radio reported on October 2.
Finance Ministry comes up with draft budget figures
Finance Ministry comes up with draft budget figures
The Ministry of Finance is offering to finance new government programs and priorities in the amount of EUR 783.5 million in the 2024 state budget in addition to existing state programs, the Ministry of Finance said on September 26.
No major tax changes foreseen next year; plans to raise excise duty
No major tax changes foreseen next year; plans to raise excise duty
The Ministry of Finance (FM) proposes to raise excise duty on tobacco and alcohol next year, as well as introduce a mandatory advance payment of corporate income tax to banks in the amount of 20% of the profit of the previous year. This is set out in a report on tax policy guidelines for the next three years, which will be presented to the government on Tuesday, September 26.
Saeima approves partial power distribution rate compensation
Saeima approves partial power distribution rate compensation
To reduce electricity bills, 60% of the fixed share of the distribution tariff will be covered by the state starting September until the end of the year. The government decided on this earlier in the week and the Saeima supported the relevant amendments on September 21.