Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia to the east and Belarus to the southeast and shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west. Latvia covers an area of 64,573 km2 (24,932 sq mi), with a population of 1.83 million. The country has a temperate seasonal climate. Its capital and largest city is Riga. Latvians, who are the titular nation and comprise 65.5% of the country's population, belong to the ethnolinguistic group of the Balts and speak Latvian. Russians are the most prominent minority in the country, at almost a quarter of the population; 37.7% of the population speak Russian as their native tongue.
Source: tolatvia.com
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The website of Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, (saeima.lv) has adopted a new design, the goal of which is to make information about the work of the parliament easier to find and more accessible, as well as to provide a more convenient opportunity to follow and participate in the work of the Saeima.
At the 45th Session of the Baltic Assembly, held in Tallinn, Estonia, members of the parliaments of the three Baltic States adopted a Resolution in which they emphasized, among other things, that the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Assembly was a testament to the unity and determination of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, but it must also be reiterated that this anniversary was marked by profound geopolitical uncertainty, and they urged the member states of the European Union and NATO to strengthen all necessary support for Ukraine.
Just one week after it voted to award Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, performed a massive U-turn and voted to revoke her citizenship on October 22nd.
The board of the Latvian Farmers' Union (LZS) decided to resign on Tuesday, October 20th following disappointing results in the recent 15th Saeima election, the party informed the LETA newswire.
The Director-General of the Latvian Employers’ Confederation (LDDK), Kaspars Gorkšs, has been appointed Head of the State Chancellery. This was decided by the government on Tuesday, 20 October.
The Saeima’s Committee on Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion will consider a motion tabled by an unnamed Member of Parliament calling for an investigation into the facts surrounding the granting of Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, Latvian Television reported on October 19.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List”), to whom the President has also entrusted the task of forming the next government, will begin talks next week with potential coalition partners on the formation of the new government. On Wednesday, 28 October, the United List plans to meet with its current coalition partners, the National Alliance and New Unity.
On 19th October 2026, the Council of the European Union (EU) appointed Ilze Brands-Kehris as the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, according to a release from the Latvian Foreign Ministry.
The Baltic Assembly will discuss security of the Baltic States and strengthening defence cooperation when members and Speakers of the Parliaments and representatives of the governments of the Baltic States will gather in Tallinn, Estonia, for the 45th Session of the Baltic Assembly and the 32nd Baltic Council.
At its meeting on Friday, the Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed the official results of the 15th Saeima elections and the list of elected MPs.
Andrejs Judins, Chair of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee and a member of the “New Unity” party, has come under fire for alleged emotional abuse of a committee staff member, Latvian Radio reported on October 14.
The Latvian language is the foundation of the Latvian state, said Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs in an address on State Language Day on 15 October.
The Saeima elections of October 3rd were flagged up in advance as the most important for a long time – but in the end only the narrowest majority of the electorate bothered to vote: 51%.
It is currently not possible for Latvia to impose a planned 300% increase in railway infrastructure usage fees for Russian grain transit or to ban it altogether, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) stated on Tuesday after a government meeting.
On October 13, President Edgars Rinkēvičs will receive the new President of the Republic of Estonia, Dr. Ülle Madise, on a working visit to the Republic of Latvia.
Former Latvian President Egils Levits believes that the formation of a new government should not be rushed. He sees the fact that negotiations on a new government have not begun immediately as nothing to worry about.
The latest roll-call of shame for Latvia's Saeima deputies has been released and this time around 12 of the parliament's 100 members make the list blurring the borders between law maker and law breaker.
The Speaker of the 15th Saeima could be the current Minister for Justice, Edvards Smiltēns, of the United List, who already has experience in the role of Speaker of Parliament, according to sources at Latvian Television.
The head of the New Riga Theatre, director Alvis Hermanis, has resigned from his duties as the leader of the "We Change the Rules" (MMN) party, he has announced on social media.
The post-playing careers of many former professional footballers often include punditry and coaching, but Latvia's former national football captain is in line to head the country's civil service.
In the recent 15th Saeima elections, out of the 444 postal votes received by the Latvian Postal Voting Commission, 118 were deemed invalid, the Central Election Commission (CVK) told the LETA news agency.
The New Unity political party (Jauna Vienotība/JV) is not satisfied with its results in the recent Saeima elections and plans to evaluate them at an extraordinary congress, party chair and former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa told LTV's 'Morning Panorama' show on October 7th.
On Tuesday, 6 October, President Edgars Rinkēvičs announced as expected that he would entrust the formation of the new Cabinet of Ministers to the current Prime Minister, Andris Kulbergs, whose party, the United List (AS), won a record number of seats – 41 – in the 15th Saeima elections.
More than a quarter of the members elected to the Saeima are current members of district and local councils and leaders of their respective parliamentary groups. Among them are several controversial figures, whose presence used to cause Rīga City Council meetings to drag on considerably. A political scientist interviewed by Latvian Radio on October 5 suggested that the commotion from Rīga City Council will now shift to the Saeima.
Which 100 politicians will represent the interests of voters and decide about our lives in the future? LSM.lv has estimated that the following candidates for deputies could be elected to the 15th Saeima.
The Central Election Commission (CVK) has compiled the provisional results of the 15th Saeima elections held on 3 October – including votes cast by post. According to the provisional data compiled, 806,641 voters, or 51.79 per cent of those eligible to vote, took part in the election.
When you vote in Latvian elections, you not only select a party, but you have the option to mark 'for' or 'against' specific candidates to move them 'up' or 'down' their respective list. PM Andris Kulbergs (United List) received the most upvotes in the 15th Saeima elections, but the 'most downvoted' list is also nearly exclusively made up of his party members, Latvian Television reported on October 5.
With 99.9% of the votes counted in Latvia's 2026 Saeima election, the shape of Latvia's political future for the next four years is now clear: it's tall, bald and named Andris Kulbergs.
Here is a quick diagnosis of some of the main implications of Latvia's election result for the benefit of foreign observers who might not be familiar with the ins and outs of Latvian politics. There is some speculation and deduction involved, but that's all part of the fun.
The number of voters who changed their vote in the 15th Saeima elections has increased nearly sevenfold, said Māris Zviedris, head of the Central Election Commission (CVK), in an interview on Latvian Television on Sunday morning, when approximately 95 per cent of the votes had been counted.
At 7:30 AM on Sunday, October 4, the vast majority of polling stations had counted all their votes, and according to these data, six candidate lists have an opportunity to make it into the 15th Saeima.
With 58% of polling stations having sent their voting results to the Central Election Commission, the United List political force of Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs holds a strong lead over its rivals in the early hours of Sunday, October 4th as votes continue to be counted.
Slightly more than half of the voters eligible to vote in Latvia's parliamentary election on October 3rd appear to have bothered to exercise their democratic right, raising serious questions about political engagement, media coverage and perhaps even whether people still value democracy as they did a generation ago.
While the votes are being counted in Latvia's 2026 election, let's take a moment to consider how it all happens. This information comes from the Central Election Commission (CVK), which is responsible for organizing and administering all public elections in Latvia.
With the close of polling stations across Latvia at 20:00 on Saturday, October 3rd, the exit poll produced by SKDS has been made available.
On Saturday, October 3, the State Police, responded to 20 separate reports of possible breaches regarding the Saeima elections, of which administrative proceedings were initiated in four cases, the State Police reported.
Latvians go to the polls on Saturday, October 3rd for the 15th Saeima elections.
The 15th Saeima elections are taking place in Latvia on Saturday, 3 October. Polling stations for voters in Latvia and abroad are open from 8:00 to 20:00 local time.
More than 10% of Latvia's electorate has taken advantage of the opportunity to cast a vote before the main election day on October 3rd.
On 1st October 2026, in Geneva, Latvian human rights expert Dr Elīna Šteinerte was re-elected to the United Nations' Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) for the 2027–2030 term.
On Friday, 2 October, the very last day before the 15th Saeima elections, you can cast your vote in advance. You can do this at any polling station throughout Latvia between 12 noon and 3 pm.
The Progressives party has reported former party member Mārtiņš Eņģelis to the police over alleged sexual relations with a minor, newswire LETA reports.
During the first four days, at least 110,000 people took the opportunity to cast their votes in advance of the 15th Saeima elections, and a further 5,000 citizens have applied to vote by post, which the Central Election Commission also counts towards voter turnout, bringing the total to 7.44 per cent.
During the first three days, over 83,000 people took the opportunity to cast their votes in advance of the 15th Saema elections, and a further nearly 5,000 citizens have applied to vote by post, which the Central Election Commission also counts as voter turnout, bringing the total to 5.66 per cent, LSM.lv reports.
On September 30, 2026, the Latvian and Estonian Foreign Ministers presented the annual Language Award at the ASNI Contemporary Art Gallery. This year, the award went to Katarina Magere, an Estonian language teacher at Rīga Estonian Primary School, for her contribution to the education and development of students by teaching the Estonian language and literature and helping them learn about Estonian culture and traditions.
Reinis Uzulnieks, the former Minister for Welfare, who was caught driving whilst heavily intoxicated and has since been expelled from his party, has been accused under Section 262(1.1) of the Criminal Law for driving with a blood alcohol level of at least 1.5 per mille, Latvian Television reports on September 30.
During the first two days, around 38,600 people took the opportunity to cast their vote in advance of the 15th Saeima elections, whilst nearly 5,000 more citizens have applied to vote by post, which the Central Election Commission also counts as voter turnout, bringing the total to 2.79 per cent, according to the CVK's information on September 29.
On Monday, September 28th, around 26,000 voters took advantage of the opportunity to vote early and deposit their ballots ahead of the main parliamentary election day on Saturday, October 3rd.
If voters elect former Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks to the Saeima at the weekend, he will be ready to carry on working as a member of parliament, the LETA newswire reports.
Pre-election campaigning for the upcoming Saeima elections lacks the passion that could stimulate voters/' interest in going to vote, former President Valdis Zatlers said on the Latvian Television programme "Morning Panorama" on September 28th.
On Wednesday morning, a Saudi Arabian flag was removed from the cables of the Vanšu Bridge, according to Ieva Lukaža-Apalupa, chief communications officer at the Riga Municipal Police (RPP), and newswire LETA.
The Latvian Science Council (LZP) has announced an open call for project applications for the "Defence Innovation Research Programme" for 2026–2029.
In October this year, the State Police arrested eleven ‘money mules’ and couriers. Among those arrested are both young people who have not yet reached legal age or have only recently done so, and a man of retirement age who has also committed crimes abroad, the State Police said in a statement.
For the first time in Latvia’s history, individuals are being tried for market manipulation. The defendants do not admit their guilt in carrying out fictitious transactions designed to inflate share turnover on the stock exchange and thereby gain an additional sum of more than 100,000 euros. The prosecutor is asking the court to impose fines totalling several tens of thousands of euros on the defendants for these actions, Latvian Television reported on October 28.
The controversy involving the giving and then taking away of Latvian citizenship to an Indian citizen is developing in another direction, too, with Latvia's so-called "golden visa" scheme in the spotlight.
Among Latvia's regions, Vidzeme is the most fertile – at least if you are a woman – according to fresh Eurostat data published on October 27th.
An Indian scientist who finds herself at the centre of an accelerating scandal in Latvia over her application for Latvian citizenship has turned to the police alleging that she is the victim of harassment and misinformation, with racist overtones.
Compared with last year, the number of teenagers who have consumed intoxicating substances and been admitted to hospital has doubled this autumn, according to information published by the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) on October 27.
In Germany, production of the Bundeswehr’s new standard armoured personnel carrier is getting under way, while in Latvia essentially the same vehicle is already being manufactured.
Blood stocks in Latvia have once again fallen significantly. The National Blood Donor Centre (VADC) is calling on anyone who is able and willing to donate blood to come forward. In order to reach as many donors as possible, mobile blood collection units are also scheduled to visit many towns and settlements across Latvia, Latvian Television reports.
In Kurzeme, local authority representatives, arborists and other interested parties are being taught to recognise the habitats of protected species in historic tree-lined avenues and parks. This is one of the public education initiatives taking place as part of the Latvian-Lithuanian cross-border project ‘Green Guardians’, Latvian Radio reported on October 27.
In one month, on November 26th, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) will hold a plenary meeting, at which it is planned to discuss the possible resignation of the academy's president Ivars Kalviņš in connection with his recommendation to grant Latvian citizenship to Indian citizen Divya Kannan Vishwanath.
In 2025, 89.7% of young people aged 16 to 29 in the European Union perceived their health as good or very good. This was far higher than the share in the total population aged 16 and over, at 67.9%.
The expansion of protection zones around power lines with a nominal voltage of 110 kilovolts (kV), which was agreed by the Saeima this month, is a less hot issue than other cases affecting forests, said Jānis Rozītis, Chairman of the Board of the World Wide Fund for Nature and Head of the Forest Programme, in a discussion on the Latvian Radio show "How to Live Better".
The Zemgale Regional Court has imposed a fine of 680 euros and a 12-month driving ban on a driver who was filmed driving at 240 kilometres per hour on public roads.
Over the last few days, there have been hundreds of attempts to hack Latvian websites, but none of these cyber-attack attempts have been successful. Latvian Radio obtained this information from CERT.lv, the cyber incident response centre.
Latvia's Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) has issued advice to the public in case they are contacted by people impersonating genuine statisticians.
LTV's investigative programme "De facto" revealed on October 25th that migrants on the Belarusian side of the Latvian border are visited by people in uniform who check whether they have paid for their illegal border crossing attempts. If this has not happened, then the debtor is sent to damage Latvian border infrastructure by way of recompense. In case of refusal, physical assault can be expected.
The division in Latvian society along ethnic lines is greater in our perceptions than in reality, according to the association "Russian Voice for Latvia", after surveying almost 600 Latvian residents on the streets and online this year.
A coach at Sigulda Sports School has just been dismissed from his post due to inappropriate text messages, Latvian Television reported on October 25.
On Saturday, October 24, an unmanned aerial vehicle was found in Liepna parish, Alūksne district, which is believed to have crashed on October 18th, Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) has said.
The Pieriga Prosecutor's Office has completed a criminal case involving the illegal death of a brown bear. The perpetrator was fined 31,200 euros.
A previously unregistered mushroom species in Latvia – the Black spot fungus (Abrothallus caerulescens) – has been discovered on the Kalnarāji rock in Ventspils municipality, the Latvian Mycological Society (LMB) reported.
On Wednesday, October 21st, border guards in Valmiera region detained two people transporting people who had illegally crossed the state border, according to a release from the State Border Guard.
This news item may be a load of rubbish, but it's also a cause for pride if you're a Latvian.
In order to ensure communications for residents in crisis situations, the Saeima on Thursday, October 22nd, in its final reading supported amendments to the Electronic Communications Law that were deemed urgent.
Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) announced that as of 12:39, a possible threat to Latvian airspace was declared in the Krāslava and Rēzekne districts in the east of the country. The alert was then cancelled at 13:16.
The court of first instance has found former Chief of the State Police's Main Order Police Department, Normunds Krapsis, guilty of abuse of office and disclosure of confidential information in the so-called video radar procurement case.
Thanks to donations from Latvian residents at automatic bottle deposit machines, the Entrepreneurs for Peace Foundation ('Uzņēmēji mieram') has bought two 'ground drones' for the defenders of Ukraine, specifically designed for the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
The Latvian State Police has initiated criminal proceedings in connection with the felling of a 400-year-old forest cut down in the Rucava area, reports the Latvian Radio program "Open Files".
In connection with the deaths of two boys in Pļavnieki last year, a first instance court has sentenced an employee of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office (PMLP), the father of one of the deceased boys, to two years in prison and 220 hours of community service.
On Monday, October 19th, in Madona municipality, border guards, in cooperation with State Police officers, detained a Latvian citizen who had helped others to illegally cross the state border.
Additional anti-tank trenches and sensors to detect drones, as well as other types of equipment, will be deployed to strengthen Latvia’s eastern border, as stated by Defence Minister Raivis Melnis on Wednesday morning during an interview on the Latvian Television programme “Morning Panorama”.
Every autumn, Sigulda is visited by many visitors who go there to see the autumn colours in the Gauja valley. Unfortunately, due to insufficient or irregular maintenance, some of the scenic areas are overgrown with trees and bushes, and dead or fallen trees pose a threat to popular walking paths. This has also prompted a public discussion "The landscape of the ancient Gauja valley in Sigulda - yesterday, today, tomorrow".
It is planned to introduce the State Defence Service (VAD) into the State Border Guard from 2028, as announced by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) following a conceptual decision taken during the closed part of Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, LSM.lv reports.
Unexpected roaming bills, connecting to Belarusian mobile networks and, in some places, a complete lack of mobile coverage – this is everyday life for residents in the border regions. Although many have already got used to the presence of the neighbouring country’s networks, the quality of mobile communications in Latvia continues to cause difficulties, Latgale regional television reports.
Latvia is currently acting as a testbed for the latest defence technologies, according to a release from the Defence Ministry.
Next spring, the official 'Big Cleanup' ('Lielā talka') will take place for the 20th time on April 24th, it has been confirmed.
The autumn half-term is in full swing for schoolchildren, but very soon many children will be donning spooky costumes in preparation for All Hallows’ Eve. To make planning for the festivities easier, a trick-or-treating map has been created in Latvia, where you can mark which houses will be welcoming children with treats at the end of October, Latvian Radio reported on October 19.
From 19 October to 1 November, officials from the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland will assist the State Border Guard in monitoring the Latvian–Belarusian state border, the Latvian State Border Guard said in a statement.
Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging young people to recognise the risks of human trafficking in the modern world.
Demand for flu vaccines at general practitioners' offices currently exceeds supply, Alise Nicmane-Aišpure, head of the Latvian Association of General Practitioners (LĢĀA), told the LETA news agency.
In August, a sabotage attempt took place at Leipzig Airport in Germany, which the German government has said was carried out by Russia. One of the suspected organizers of the attack is a Latvian citizen by the name of Oļegs Ļevuškins (Oleg Levushkin).
On Sunday, a train on the Lielvārde–Riga route struck a pedestrian who was crossing a level crossing; the person was taken to hospital in serious condition, LETA reports.
The National Armed Forces briefly issued a warning covering Bauska, Aizkraukle and Ogre municipalities on the morning of Sunday, October 18th, but withdrew it soon after.
October 16th saw the departure of yet another aid shipment organized by the volunteer organization “Entrepreneurs for Peace” (Uzņēmēji mieram).
From October 16th to 18th, planned military exercises of the 19th Combat Support Battalion of the 1st Riga Brigade of the National Guard will take place in Ropaži and Bauska regions.
Inspectors from the State Environmental Service (VVD) removed 14 illegally set fishing nets, with a total length of 1,230 metres, from the coastal waters of the Gulf of Riga in Salacgrīva parish, the VVD said.
The Constitutional Court has ruled that the ban imposed by Daugavpils local authority on organising gambling in the vicinity of certain buildings is in accordance with the Constitution, the court announced on October 16.
The white cane ensures the safety of blind people on the streets, but unfortunately, simply raising it does not mean that all drivers will be prepared to stop. On Thursday, International White Cane Day, a test was carried out in Liepāja to see how attentive drivers are and whether they know what to do when they encounter a blind pedestrian, TV Kurzeme reported.
A new report from the Latvian central bank says lending activity has grown "significantly" but that there is still room for further growth in the market.
The new government must take bolder decisions, according to the opinion of the leadership of the Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL). At present, uncertainty over migration issues and the lack of concrete plans are causing concern, Latvian Radio reported on October 28.
This month, live cattle were exported from Rīga to Central Asian countries on two trial flights. On these flights, 240 young cattle from Estonia were exported via Riga Airport to Tashkent Airport, Latvian Radio reported on October 26.
According to Eurostat figures published on October 23rd, last year Latvia had the European Union's second-highest level of income inequality: an important measure of wealth distribution within a society.
The coming years in Latvia will be years of austerity, control and reform, with no additional spending and wage freezes likely in the public sector, according to Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis (United List) speaking in an interview on the Latvian Radio programme "Krustpunktā" ("At the Crossroads") on October 22nd.
Ratings agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Latvia's Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'A-' with a Stable Outlook, it said in an October 16th release from Frankfurt.
From 1 November, new European Union (EU) legislative requirements will come into force, providing for the application of a handling fee to all consignments from third countries. In future, a handling fee of two euros will be payable for each item of goods in a consignment, according to the State Revenue Service (VID).
In Europe, the exchange price of natural gas has reached its highest level since December 2022. As winter approaches, experts suggest that prices could rise even further, Latvian Television reported on October 21.
With the connection of new wind farms to the transmission grid, the volume of electricity generated by wind farms in Latvia has reached an all-time high of 51 gigawatt-hours (GWh), according to the electricity market review prepared by electricity transmission operator “Augstsprieguma tīkls” (AST).
Since the start of this year, prices for standard flats in Rīga have risen by an average of more than 10 per cent, according to the latest market review of standard-build flats by the property company ‘Arco Real Estate’, Latvian Radio reported on October 19.
Last week, a video appeared on social media showing a petrol station where a young man in a car with Lithuanian number plates drove off without paying after filling up. Although the thief was quickly apprehended, the frequency of these incidents seems to be on the rise, Latvian Radio reported on October 19.
In 2025, the EU recorded 3.1 billion nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments, up from 3.0 billion in 2024 (+4.1%). Domestic and international tourists accounted for almost equal numbers of nights. Compared with 2015, nights spent in EU tourist accommodations increased by 26.5%, from 2.5 billion.
The share of insured residential properties in Latvia has increased from 30.8% to 52.8% over eight years. This means that slightly more than half of residential properties in Latvia are currently insured according to a home insurance market assessment conducted by Latvijas Banka (the Latvian central bank).
In August 2026, Latvia's foreign trade turnover amounted to 3.84 billion euros, which was 13.7% more in current prices than a year ago, according to preliminary data from the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) published on October 12th.
Central Statistical Bureau data, published on 8 October, show that compared with September 2025, the average level of consumer prices rose by 3.2 % in September 2026.
Citizens of Russia and Belarus will not be able to acquire a significant stake or exert decisive influence in critical infrastructure facilities in Latvia, the Saeima decided on Thursday, 8 October, as reported by LSM.lv and LETA.
The retailer SIA ‘Lidl Latvija’ has invested more than 420 million euros in the company’s development over the past five years, the company announced on October 7.
Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data (at constant prices) published on October 6th show that in August 2026 industrial production output increased by 0.3 % year on year.
Latvia's Ministry of Finance (FM) has submitted to the government on Tuesday, October 6th, a report on state budget expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2026 which calls for a dramatic cost saving effort for the rest of the year.
Fresh Eurostat data published on October 5th show that the number of house sales conducted in Latvia grew significantly last year.
Riga’s largest apartment block management company, “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks” (RNP), plans to start the heating season at the beginning of next week, the company said in a release on October 5.
The proportion of cashless payments in Latvia has reached a record high. In August this year, cashless payments accounted for 81 per cent of transactions, while cash payments made up 19 per cent, according to the latest – autumn 2026 – edition of the Bank of Latvia’s ‘Payment Radar’.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data published on September 29, retail trade turnover in August 2026 was 3.5 % higher than a year ago (calendar-adjusted data at constant prices).
Latvia is ready for the heating season, but people will most likely have to pay more for heating. The Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) estimates that, in the event of a mild or moderately cold winter, heating costs could rise by 10 to 15 per cent, Latvian Radio reported on September 25. In some local authorities, the increase may be even greater.
On Thursday, 24 September, the Saeima approved, at its final reading, amendments to the Law on Limiting Price Increases for Petroleum Products, which provide for a reduction in the excise duty rate on diesel fuel and unleaded petrol from 1 October until the end of the year.
Several draft laws aimed at reducing fuel prices are being put forward for approval by the Saeima. This was decided on Wednesday by the Saeima’s Budget and Finance (Tax) Committee, according to the Saeima Press Service.
The Minister for Economic Affairs, Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers), has instructed ‘Rīgas siltums’ and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EM) to draw up proposals this week on how to reduce the expected rise in heating tariffs in Riga. The company currently estimates that the tariff could rise by 20 to 30 per cent from December.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau survey on energy consumption in households, published on September 21, 83.9 % of the energy resources consumed in households in 2025 were used for space and water heating.
Provisional data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on September 14th show that, compared to the 1st quarter of 2026, in the 2nd quarter of 2026 prices of dwellings in Latvia rose by 3.9 %.
The Bank of Latvia, in collaboration with providers of essential services and retailers, has introduced a solution for situations where card payments cannot be made in the usual way due to internet or mobile network disruptions – offline card payments. This would enable people to purchase essential goods – food, fuel and medicines, according to the Bank of Latvia.
Fuel prices in Latvia are approaching record highs, whilst oil prices on the global market are once again rising sharply, Latvian Television reported on September 9.
Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) provisional data show that in July 2026 Latvia had foreign trade turnover of EUR 4.01 billion, and at current prices it was 10.5 % higher than a year ago.
At the start of September, fuel prices in Latvia have once again risen above two euros per litre. Current trends suggest that fuel prices are not expected to fall or stabilise, as Ieva Ligere, head of the Latvian Fuel Retailers’ Association, said in an interview on the Latvian television programme “Morning Panorama” on Wednesday morning.
Heat supply companies are preparing for the heating season and currently regard the average tariff increase as moderate. At the same time, there remains a risk that high woodchip and natural gas costs will lead to an increase in heating prices, Latvian Radio reported on September 8.
Latest data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on September 8th show that in August 2026, compared to July 2026, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.3 %.
The State Security Service (VDD) carried out criminal investigation operations on Thursday and during the night of Thursday to Friday at four premises in Rīga and the surrounding area linked to the “Mnogoknig” bookshop chain, which primarily sells books in the Russian language, the service confirmed to the LETA news agency.
On Thursday, 3 September, the oral auction for the leasehold rights to the Rēzekne recreation or spa centre came to a close. A tenant has finally been found for the property, which the local authority had been seeking for some time, according to the Rēzekne City Council.
Central Statistical Bureau data published on September 2 show that in Q2 2026 the average monthly gross wages and salaries stood at 1,886 euro (in full-time units). Compared with Q2 2025, the average monthly earnings before taxes increased by 78 euro or 4.3 %. Hourly earnings increased to 13.18 euro, or by 3.9 %.
In the second round of the public-private partnership rental housing programme, the majority of the local authorities involved have decided not to continue their participation due to unpredictable costs, so the round has been cancelled, Latvian Radio reported on September 2.
Perhaps influenced by the tense geopolitical situation in the region, the number of tourists choosing to stay in Latvia dropped in the first six months of 2026, according to fresh Eurostat figures.
Thousands of litres of milk poured down the drain – these are the consequences that prolonged power cuts have caused for dairy farmers, Vidusdaugava Television reported on August 31.
Data published on August 31 by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) shows that in the first 6 months, compared to the respective period of the previous year, GDP at constant prices (seasonally and calendar non-adjusted) increased by 2.8 %. GDP at current prices comprised EUR 21.3 billion.
Calendar adjusted data (at constant prices) compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that, compared to July 2025, in July 2026 total retail trade turnover in Latvia rose by 7.0 %.
By 6.00 am on Friday, 28 August, electricity distributor ‘Sadales tīkls’ had restored power to the majority of customers affected by the storm; around 2,500 customers remain without electricity.
As intensive work continues in the wake of the storm at the weekend, power supply had been restored to approximately 98.5 per cent of customers affected by the storm by 6.00 am on 27 August.
On Tuesday, August 25th, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a protocol decision prepared by the Ministry of Finance on a general review of public procurement practices.
After the storm that ravaged Latvia over the weekend, as of the evening of August 25, power had been restored to the high-voltage lines; work is now underway on the medium- and low-voltage lines, where the cables have been torn by the wind and the electricity pylons have been toppled. Latvian Television travelled to the Jēkabpils area to find out how the restoration of the power lines is progressing.
The losses reported to insurers following the weekend storm are still in their early stages. On Monday, insurers received around 1,000 applications, and the total compensation amounts to be paid out will likely be in the millions of euros, said Jānis Abāšins, president of the Latvian Insurers Association, in an interview with Latvian Radio.
The reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) rate for certain food products, which came into effect on July 1, has been noticed by only 40% of the population, according to a survey by the research company "Norstat" commissioned by LSM.lv.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau data published on August 19, in Q2 2026 the number of non-resident and resident arrivals at Latvian tourist accommodation establishments comprised 750.0 thousand, which is an increase of 1.2 % compared with Q2 2025.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will remain warm this week.
Forecasts suggest that rain is expected in many parts of Latvia on Monday.
Overnight into Sunday, October 25th, Latvia switched to winter time - the clocks were turned back one hour.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia on Monday, October 19, will be sunny.
Forecasts suggest that there will be occasional showers in many parts of Latvia on Tuesday.
Forecasts suggest that there will still be occasional showers in the first half of this week, but the weather will become sunnier and slightly warmer in the second half of the week.
All of Latvia's western coastline in Kurzeme region has a severe weather warning in place for Friday afternoon and evening.
A strong wind warning will be in force in Latvia on Friday afternoon, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
On Friday, 9 October, strong winds are expected in Latvia, which may cause damage in some areas, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC).
Forecasts indicate that strong winds are expected in Latvia on Friday, which may cause minor damage in some areas.
At the start of the new working week, the summery weather will give way to cooler conditions, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia on Friday will be mainly sunny and warm.
Forecasts suggest that Latvia will experience summery weather this week.
Monday morning in Latvia is chilly, and foggy in many places, but the day is set to be sunny and warm, according to forecasts by Toms Bricis, LSM's weatherman.
Forecasts indicate that prolonged rain is expected in many parts of Latvia on Friday, September 25.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected frequently in Latvia this week.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected across Latvia on Monday.
Forecasts indicate that a new band of precipitation will reach Latvia from the west on Friday afternoon.
Meteorological summer is gradually drawing to a close in Latvia, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that Monday will begin with mostly overcast skies.
Forecasts indicate that on Thursday the weather in Latvia will become cooler, windier and, at times, rainy.
By 3 pm on Wednesday, the 9 September heat record had been broken at three observation stations, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that Wednesday in Latvia will be warm, even hot, with summer-like weather.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will feel like summer over the next few days, but it will become cooler and rainier again in the second half of the week.
On Friday, a yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms is in force across Kurzeme and much of Vidzeme, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will gradually become cooler and more autumnal this week.
According to the forecast, the calendar summer in Latvia will end with a mostly sunny and warm day, although there will be showers in places.
Forecasts show that it will rain frequently in Latvia during the first month of autumn, with heavy rain expected at times.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will become sunnier and drier over the next few days.
At the height of the storm that batters Latvia this weekend, on Sunday morning, the electricity supply was disrupted for around 277,000 households, according to power distributor “Sadales tīkls”. At around 16:30, some of the faults had been rectified and power supply was disrupted for around 191,000 customers.
A large storm which hit Latvia for much of Saturday continues on Sunday morning, with the power supply to approximately 277,000 households disrupted according to network operator Sadales tīkls.
A severe storm is expected to hit Latvia on Saturday, August 22nd. A red (high danger) warning is in place across a band of central Latvia including Rīga, with orange (danger) and yellow (potential danger) warnings in other parts of the country.
On Saturday, the weather in Latvia is set to deteriorate significantly, with forecasts predicting heavy downpours and winds that will cause damage.
Forecasts indicate that brief showers are expected in many parts of Latvia on Wednesday.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected more frequently in Latvia during the first half of the week.
Forecasts indicate that brief showers are expected in many parts of Latvia on Monday, with thunderstorms in some areas.
On Friday, the weather in Latvia will be mainly sunny, although the day will be mostly overcast in the very east of the country, according to forecasts.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will become cooler and windier over the next few days.
Forecasts suggest that warm weather is expected in Latvia on Monday.
According to data from ‘timeanddate.com’, the brightest quarter of the year has come to an end in Latvia and the solar autumn has begun.
On Thursday, a heat warning will be in force across central and eastern Latvia, including Riga, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will become hotter on Wednesday, according to weatherman Toms Bricis.
Forecasters predict that air temperatures in Latvia will rise in the middle of this week and fall slightly towards the end of the week.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia on Monday will be mostly sunny and warm.
On Friday, by 3 pm, the air temperature at the Jelgava weather station in Staļģene reached +31.8 degrees, breaking the heat record for the last day of July.
Forecasts suggest that Friday will be the hottest day of the week.
Forecasts suggest that the weather in Latvia will become hotter on Thursday.
Forecasts indicate that rain and thunderstorms are expected in many parts of Latvia on Monday.
Intense rains on the evening of Monday, July 20th, caused damage in Talsi region, where the Dursupe mill lake overflowed and the water flooded the surrounding area and washed out local roads.
An orange (danger) warning has been issued across a large part of Latvia for violent storms which are expected to hit the country on Monday, July, 20th.
