Māris Klūga

Latvian Television

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State of emergency: needed or not?
State of emergency: needed or not?
Although Prime Minister Krisjānis Kariņš (New Unity) is convinced that a state of emergency should be announced on Friday, the government's views differ, Latvian Television reported November 4.
Annual funding increase for higher education found unconstitutional
Annual funding increase for higher education found unconstitutional
The Constitutional Court has found unconstitutional the provision of the Law on Higher Education which provides for an annual increase in funding for higher education and science by 0.25% of gross domestic product (GDP), Latvian Radio reported October 29.
Murdered lawyer Rebenoks' business partner injured in the attack
Murdered lawyer Rebenoks' business partner injured in the attack
Saturday night, police said high-profile lawyer Pāvels Rebenoks had been found murdered in his home. Police now have confirmed an injured person in the case, Rebenoks' business partner Ingus Balandins, Latvian Television reported September 20.
Minimum social contribution payments planned from 2021
Minimum social contribution payments planned from 2021
The Cabinet on Wednesday backed a proposal to make tax changes from 2021 with a view to improve social protection for residents. Introduction of minimum national social security contributions  is planned, whereas Finance Ministry's proposal to abolish royalties has been postponed, Latvian Television said September 2.
Four factions agree to form coalition in Rīga
Four factions agree to form coalition in Rīga
Four political forces have agreed to form a coalition to govern Rīga City Council under the leadership of mayoral candidate Mārtiņš Staķis: the election winners Development/For!/Progressives, New Unity, National Alliance/Latvian Association of Regions, and the New Conservative Party, Latvian Television reported August 31.
Meroni removed from storage of Lembergs' arrested property
Meroni removed from storage of Lembergs' arrested property
Riga Regional Court, in the so-called criminal case of Aivars Lembergs, has removed the lawyer Rudolf Meroni from the storage of the property arrested in criminal proceedings, according to Latvian Television information published August 17.
Three-phase tax change offered by Finance Ministry
Three-phase tax change offered by Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance (FM) has proposed a number of changes in taxes, which would contribute an additional €180.8 million to healthcare financing next year, Latvian Television reported August 12.
Political parties talk greener Riga
Political parties talk greener Riga
A green city includes the state and quality of parks, greenery, pollution control, nature entertainment sites, air quality, and other aspects. Ahead of the extraordinary Riga City elections, political parties mention city environment in their programs, Latvian Television said August 11.
Political parties talk Riga streets and bridges
Political parties talk Riga streets and bridges
Over the recent years, Riga streets have caused a lot of discussion regarding potholes and bumps. Ahead of Riga City Council extraordinary elections, political parties have made promises to improve the city's infrastructure, Latvian Television said August 6.
Municipalities lack money to raise minimum income
Municipalities lack money to raise minimum income
The increase in the guaranteed minimum income (GMI) allowance to EUR 109, though insufficient, would be impossible to achieve with municipal budget, reported Latvian Television August 3.
Political parties talk real estate tax
Political parties talk real estate tax
News of the coming rise in cadastral values has upset many, as it also means a rise in real estate tax. New apartments in Riga are one of the categories for which the cadastral value will grow the most in 2022. As a result, several parties are promising various tax incentives in advance of the Riga City Council emergency elections, Latvian Television reported August 3.
Tax reform discussion hits dead end
Tax reform discussion hits dead end
The parties' talks on changes to the tax system have stalled, according to several politicians, Latvian Television reported on July 8.
Businessman Gulami detained
Businessman Gulami detained
On May 12, businessman Gulam Gulami was detained by the State Police, reported Latvian Television May 13.
Who are KPV LV's new MPs?
Who are KPV LV's new MPs?
The KPV LV party won 16 seats at the 13th Saeima election. However, but a few of them are publicly known.
Who are the New Conservatives' new MPs?
Who are the New Conservatives' new MPs?
The New Conservative Party (JKP) won 16 mandates in the Latvian 100-seat chamber. For about half of them, it will be their first political experience. This is the first installment from an LTV series about some of the less-known incoming MPs of the new Saeima.
Jūrmala mayor shows political resilience
Jūrmala mayor shows political resilience
On October 8 the city council of the Jūrmala resort town held an extraordinary meeting in which mayor Gatis Truksnis (Greens and Farmers Union) kept his seat after a no-confidence vote as coalition councilors voted to keep him on his post following media reports that Truksnis has been fined for storing drugs. 
Latvian and Estonian governments meet for centenary
Latvian and Estonian governments meet for centenary
The Latvian and Estonian governments on August 21 held a joint meeting at the National Library of Latvia, commemorating the countries' centenary and discussing regional safety, energy, and information exchange, reported LTV.
"New Conservatives" reveal top election tickets
"New Conservatives" reveal top election tickets
The right-of-center New Conservative Party (JKP) has named its ministerial candidates and party leaders who appear at the top of the election ballot for the October 6, 2018 parliamentary elections, reported Latvian Radio and LTV July 18.
OECD to audit Latvia's finance watchdogs
OECD to audit Latvia's finance watchdogs
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will carry out an audit of Latvia's finance authorities, the Financial and Capital Markets Commission (FKTK) and the Office for Prevention of Laundering of Proceeds Derived from Criminal Activity (FIU), reports Latvian Radio April 25. 
Plan to set minimum monthly pay in construction sector at €780
Plan to set minimum monthly pay in construction sector at €780
An initiative between state institutions and the Partnership of Latvian Construction Entrepreneurs seeks to set the minimum monthly wage in the construction sector at €780, which is close to twice the minimum monthly pay in Latvia, reported Latvian Radio April 13.