Jānis Kincis

Latvian Radio

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Latvia's parliament building in critical condition
Latvia's parliament building in critical condition
Preparations for the repair of the Saeima House, Jēkaba Street 11, are ongoing. This year it is planned to develop a reconstruction work project on temporary premises on Smilšu Street, where parliamentarians will work during the reconstruction of the Saeima House, Latvian Radio reported on January 8.
Climate and Energy Ministry begins work
Climate and Energy Ministry begins work
The newly created Ministry of Climate and Energy has begun work in Latvia, where putting a brake on planned increases in electricity distribution rates is defined as the first emergency work. Long-term objectives are also outlined, Latvian Radio reported on January 3.
Inflation has not killed holiday shopping, say traders
Inflation has not killed holiday shopping, say traders
During the pre-holiday period, people's activity in malls and Internet shops is high, industry representatives say. The activity of buyers in high inflation also shows both the willingness to use savings for holidays and the wish to celebrate as usual, Latvian Radio reported on December 23.
Government starts to flesh out budget plans
Government starts to flesh out budget plans
On Thursday, December 22, the Cabinet of Ministers (MK) examined the Finance Ministry's updated forecasts of macroeconomic indicators as part of the preparations for the 2023 budget.
Saeima agrees to reconsider top officials' salary rise
Saeima agrees to reconsider top officials' salary rise
In light of the current economic situation, the Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Commission agreed on Wednesday, December 21, to invite the Cabinet to reconsider the remuneration system for top officials of the country, the Parliament's Press Service said.
Craze over fuel discounts Thursday in Latvia
Craze over fuel discounts Thursday in Latvia
Because of significant snap fuel-price discounts at Neste, Circle K, Virši-A and Viada fueling stations, big lines formed Thursday on roads where gas station are located, Latvian Television reported December 15.
Saeima rejects initiative on legal protection of all families
Saeima rejects initiative on legal protection of all families
The Saeima majority on Thursday rejected the society's initiative on the legal protection of all families, Latvian Radio reported. The initiative encouraged legally recognizing couples living outside the marriage union and ensuring their social protection.
Migrant flow from Belarus to Latvia could increase in winter
Migrant flow from Belarus to Latvia could increase in winter
In recent weeks, the flow of migrants organized by the Belarusian regime to Latvia has increased again. The construction of a fence essential for restricting illegal entry on the border between Latvia and Belarus will only be completed in 2024, so other means of protection must be ensured, Latvian Radio reported on November 30.
Government declaration could be finished next wee
Government declaration could be finished next wee
Proposals submitted by the partners of the future coalition for a government declaration are being compiled and processed. The declaration defines the objectives and tasks of the government. Saeima deputy Arvils Ašeradens (New Unity) told Latvian Television on Monday that work could be completed at the beginning of the next week.
Still no significant progress in Latvia's coalition formation
Still no significant progress in Latvia's coalition formation
Future coalition partners have not taken any steps closer toward the next government. Representatives of the United List (AS) are calling on potential coalition partners to sign another memorandum of cooperation. AS also met with President of State Egil Levits on Tuesday, November 15, and presented their plan. Levits confirmed that the parties involved in the government expressed their willingness to continue the negotiations, Latvian Radio and Latvian Television reported.
Saeima committees could be formed next week in Latvia
Saeima committees could be formed next week in Latvia
Members of the Saeima will be able to start their full work after committees are created. The Speaker of the Saeima, Edvards Smiltēns, told Latvian Radio on November 15 that committees should have started to be formed earlier but deputies and factions needed time. Committees are planned to be set up next week.
Start drafting government declaration, says President Levits
Start drafting government declaration, says President Levits
The partners of the promised new government coalition – Jaunā Vienotība (New Unity, JV), Apvienotais Saraksts (United List, AS), and the Nacionālā apvienība (National Alliance, NA) – can start work on their government's declaration, according to President Egils Levits after meeting with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (JV) November 14.
Parties tight-lipped about weekend coalition talks
Parties tight-lipped about weekend coalition talks
Representatives of "Jaunā Vienotība" (New Unity, JV) and "Apvienotais saraksts" (United List, AS) are currently making few comments about progress in government formation talks, reports Latvian Radio.
Government-building talks still ongoing
Government-building talks still ongoing
Leader of coalition negotiations, current Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) is expecting a clear response from the next coalition partners United List (AS) on the division of ministerial responsibilities by the end of the week, Kariņš said after a meeting with AS on Wednesday, November 9.
Rīga has created ten urban meadows this autumn
Rīga has created ten urban meadows this autumn
Ten new urban meadows have been created in Rīga this autumn, including on the Ķengarags promenade, in Čiekurkalns, Dreiliņkalns, Imanta, and elsewhere, Latvian Radio reported November 6.
Latvia launches donation streaming platform for Ukraine 'Stopify'
Latvia launches donation streaming platform for Ukraine 'Stopify'
A group of activists in collaboration with the charity platform Ziedot.lv has launched Stopify – a streaming service with regular donations to Ukraine. In just a few days, nearly 24,000 euros have been donated through it, Latvian Radio reported on November 7.
Bigger news on coalition could be expected next Monday(update)
Bigger news on coalition could be expected next Monday(update)
More significant news on the formation of the new coalition could be expected next Monday, said New Unity representative Arvils Ašeradens in an interview on Latvian Television October 18. Clarity on the new government could be expected in two weeks.
Levits tells Kariņš to continue coalition talks
Levits tells Kariņš to continue coalition talks
On Monday, October 17, the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, told Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš to continue negotiations with potential coalition partners to find common denominators for the next government, which must be strong enough to work for four years.
No major issues in voting process, say authorities
No major issues in voting process, say authorities
No significant problems have been experienced in the conduct of elections and in the work of the information technology (IT) systems needed for them, according to authorities, Latvian Radio reported on October 1.
Last-minute decisions will play big role in elections, say experts
Last-minute decisions will play big role in elections, say experts
In the 14th Saeima elections, voters have a broad range of choices among party lists. Experts surveyed by Latvian Radio on October 1 said that last-minute decisions will play a major role in the results, and there are still concerns about very low turnout.
Russian navy was supplied from Germany via Latvian company
Russian navy was supplied from Germany via Latvian company
A company in Latvia was used as a stepping stone between German suppliers and their client – the Russian Navy – according to a report from Latvian Radio produced in cooperation with the 'Correctiv" investigative journalism center in Germany and the newspaper Die Welt.
Wages could level out with inflation next year in Latvia
Wages could level out with inflation next year in Latvia
The sharp rise in prices is putting pressure on wages to rise, but this in turn may lead to even more inflation, bank analysts forecast. The situation is only expected to normalize next year and will be affected most directly by changes in gas and other energy resource prices, Latvian Radio reported on August 31.
Latvian Railways short of staff and maintenance funds
Latvian Railways short of staff and maintenance funds
The situation in the railway sector is concerning since the volume of transit freight has decreased significantly. Latvian Railways (LDz) also face a staff shortage in parts of Latvia. The maintenance of infrastructure will require support of tens of millions of euros from the State, LDz board member Andris Maldups told Latvian Radio August 17.
Heating aid for businesses to be decided at end of August
Heating aid for businesses to be decided at end of August
The government is discussing support solutions for entrepreneurs facing rising energy costs. The Economics and Finance ministers have agreed on specific directions, and additional conditions will continue until the government meeting at the end of August, Latvian Radio reported on August 16.
Municipalities expect huge demand for heating aid
Municipalities expect huge demand for heating aid
The system for partially compensating for the increase in energy resources have been supported by both the government and the Saeima. Both the increase in heating costs and the administration of housing benefits will be the responsibility of municipalities, which expect a huge demand and therefore possible delays in the payouts of compensations, Latvian Radio reported on August 12.