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 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.
During the current pre-election period, the State Security Service (VDD) is keeping a close eye on "what is happening in society and the information space" in order to prevent attempts to illegally influence the course and results of the 15th Saeima elections, it said on September 28th.
With just a few days to go before Latvia's parliamentary elections on October 3rd, parties continue to jostle for position, according to the latest data from the SKDS pollster produced for Latvian Television.
Uncertainty has arisen regarding the educational background stated by Artūrs Butāns, a Member of the Saeima for the National Alliance (NA), in the last three Saeima elections, according to information compiled by the LETA news agency.
During the week of the 15th Saeima elections, from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, voters can cast their votes in advance. This can be done at any of the 933 polling stations across Latvia, according to the Central Election Commission (CVK).
Several local authorities on the eastern border have been forced to make urgent changes to the staff at many polling stations. The State Security Service confirmed to the LSM Latgale editorial team on September 24 that a total of 6,000 polling station staff have been vetted across Latvia.
Sergey Fedotov, the father of politician Jūlija Stepaņenko (Sovereign Power/Union of New Latvians), a candidate in the 15th Saeima elections, has recently come to public attention. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže (New Unity) added Fedotov to Latvia’s list of undesirable persons, barring him from entering the country for an indefinite period.
To ensure that cargoes stolen in Ukraine, including grain, are not transported through Latvian territory, the Saeima adopted an amendment to the Animal Feed Circulation Law in its final reading on Thursday, 24 September, according to the Saeima’s press office.
On Thursday, 24 September, the Saeima supported, at first reading, amendments granting the State Audit Office the right to carry out a financial audit of the accuracy of the annual report prepared by the Saeima.
‘Sovereign Power/Union of New Latvians’ is among the frontrunners in the polls ahead of the Saeima elections expected in early October. Its Prime Minister candidate Jūlija Stepaņenko has in recent weeks avoided answering questions about her father, who lives in Russia and from whom she has received substantial gifts, Latvian Television reported on September 23.
On Tuesday, the Latvian government imposed nationwide financial and entry restrictions on the Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov, according to documents attached to the agenda of the Cabinet of Ministers’ meeting.
The Executive Committee of the National Alliance (NA) has decided to expel Valts Dalbiņš, a candidate for a seat in the 15th Saeima, from the party, as he has, in posts on social media, justified violence against women and levelled prejudiced accusations against them.
In order to strengthen criminal liability for organizing illegal migration and other violations related to the illegal movement and residence of persons, the Saeima adopted urgent amendments to the Criminal Law on Thursday, October 15th.
Shortly after stealing two firearms from a range in Daugavpils, the thieves were apprehended at a fast-food restaurant in Daugavpils and taken into custody, according to the State Police.
On Thursday, October 15th, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, granted Latvian citizenship to Ukrainian athlete Danylo Michuda and Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath.
In 2024, 12.3 kg of electrical and electronic equipment waste (WEEE or e-waste) per person was collected in the European Union, according to fresh Eurostat data.
The proposal ‘Migla’, submitted by the architectural practice SIA ‘NOONSOON’ and the landscape architecture practice SIA ‘Nemoralis’, has been recognised as the best entry in the design competition for the development of Central Station Square in Rīga, according to information on the tender website.
A Ukrainian citizen involved in a plot to kill a State Border Guard will stand trial, according to the Latgale District Prosecutor's Office.
Data published recently by Eurostat show that in the European Union in 2023, the standardised death rate for intentional self-harm was 10 per 100 000 inhabitants, with the rate for males 3.6 times as high as that for females.
The health sector needs an additional 826 million euros next year, the Ministry of Health has estimated. Doctors say the needs are many and it is high time to solve systemic problems.
An old mobile phone, an electric toothbrush, or a used e-cigarette, although these devices are small, can cause a fire during collection and sorting if they are thrown away with household waste. Even a small battery can cause major problems, so it is important to dispose of them correctly, Latvian Television issued a reminder on October 14.
The services involved in protecting the state border will have greater powers to deal with attackers and threats, the government decided on Tuesday during a closed-door session, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) said in an interview with Latvian Television's Morning Panorama n October 14.
A fake medical data portal and a dinosaur world festival that isn’t actually taking place. Fraudsters are constantly devising new ways to trick people into believing their hoaxes and falling into their traps, Latvian Television reported on October 13.
On Tuesday, October 13th, Latvia's government adopted a decision to establish a new anti-tank mine production facility in Latvia which it said would "begin operations in 2028".
Water quality tests carried out by Riga City Council show that at five bathing spots popular with winter swimmers – Bābelītis, Vakarbuļļi, Vecāķi, Lucavsala Bay and Ķīpsala – the microbiological indicators are good and swimming is permitted, the Rīga City Council said on October 13.
On Tuesday, October 13, during the visit of Cezary Tomczyk, State Secretary of the Polish Ministry of Defence, to Latvia, a memorandum of understanding was signed on expanding cooperation between Latvia and Poland in the field of cybersecurity.
During the day, the forest may seem quiet and peaceful, but as darkness falls, one of the loudest autumn events in nature takes place here.
On 31st August 2026, 4.43 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine following Russia's war of aggression had temporary protection status in the EU, according to latest Eurostat figures.
Following the widely publicised story of the battle between a badger and a hedgehog in Aizpute, both residents and the local council have shown greater interest in the town. Locals have already begun to promote their hometown by creating specially designed T-shirts and bags. There are also plans to create a special public art installation, TV Kurzeme reported.
The number of attempted illegal border crossings on the Latvia–Belarus border this year has exceeded the total for the whole of last year – more than 12,000 attempts have been thwarted. Border guards suggest that the 2023 record could also be broken, LSM's Latgale editorial reported on October 12.
A little-known group called "Black Russians" has claimed responsibility for an incident on the Latvian-Belarusian border in early October, in which masked and armed men attempted to smuggle 20 illegal migrants into the country and later damaged infrastructure, reports Latvian Television.
From October 15th to 17th, the European Commission's Defence Innovation Programme (EUDIS) international defence innovation hackathon "Defence Hackathon 2026 Latvia" will take place at the Academic Centre of the University of Latvia (LU) in Rīga, bringing together startups, researchers, engineers and technology developers.
To draw attention to the importance and development of Polish education in Latvia, as well as to emphasize the role of education in promoting national identity, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, a conference titled: “35 years since the revival of Polish education in Latvia. The legacy of Ita Kozakeviča and the future of Polish schools” will be held in the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, on Tuesday, October 13.
The Riga Regional Court has upheld the first-instance conviction of businessman Igors Trubko for offering a bribe of 2.1 million euros to Riga City Council councillor Mārtiņš Kossovičs (Progressives), the court announced on Monday, as reported by Latvian Television.
Although Operation ‘Werewolf’ has improved the situation at the border, officials report significant problems both in terms of border security and in dealing with people who have already arrived in Latvia, Latvian Radio reported on October 11.
A species of lichen, Pseudothelomma ocellatum, has been recorded in Latvia for the first time, according to the Latvian Mycological Society. The lichen was found on the grounds of the ‘Kalna Kaibēni’ museum.
A case has been referred to the Vidzeme District Court in which the director of a company and another individual are accused of offering a bribe – a bottle of cognac and 1,000 euros – to an official of the Valmiera Municipal Council, and of aiding and abetting the bribery, the prosecutor's office said in a release.
On Thursday, a three-year-old child once again wandered off unsupervised from the “Pasaulīte” kindergarten in Bauska; this is the second such incident this year, the Bauska Municipal Council told the LETA news agency.
The Supreme Court has annulled the Rīga Regional Court’s ruling in a case in which the defendant was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for publicly glorifying crimes against peace and war crimes by displaying various symbols associated with Russia and the Soviet Union in the windows of her home, Latvian Television reported on October 8.
Two men described as being Latvian were arrested on October 8th on suspicion of illegally entering a Royal Air Force (RAF) military base in Cambridgeshire, England which is used by the United States Air Force.
The Saeima has postponed the introduction of the so-called ‘two healthcare service baskets’ principle for a further year – until 31 December next year – as decided by parliament on Thursday during the second and final reading under an urgent procedure. The introduction of this principle has been postponed for several years now, Latvian Radio reports.
Latvian Public Media (LSM)’s charity marathon “Dod pieci!/High Five!” will focus this year on mental health and suicide prevention in Latvian society, the organisers have announced.
The 2026–2027 monitoring season for influenza and other acute respiratory infections has begun in Latvia, but so far, Latvia has only received the intranasal ‘Fluenz’ vaccine, which is intended for children who belong to specific health risk groups, according to the Disease Prevention and Control Centre (SPKC). This season, the production of influenza vaccines in Europe has been delayed; consequently, vaccine deliveries to Latvia are taking place gradually and slightly later than usual this year. Deliveries of the ‘Efluelda’ flu vaccine to GP practices will begin this week. This vaccine is intended for people aged 60 and over, as well as those with moderate or severe immunosuppression. Meanwhile, the “Vaxigrip” vaccine, which is intended for other target groups eligible for state-funded vaccination – including adults and children with chronic illnesses – is expected to arrive in Latvia by 13 November. This season, state-funded flu vaccination will be provided using three vaccines, each intended for different population groups. The first laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in Latvia this season were recorded even before the start of the flu monitoring season and were linked to travel outside Latvia. Meanwhile, in week 40 of 2026, when monitoring began, influenza was clinically diagnosed in three patients, or 3.9 cases per 100,000 population, which is lower than during the corresponding period of the previous season (9.9 cases per 100,000 population). A total of 918 patients, or an average of 1,179.3 per 100,000 population, consulted their GPs with symptoms of other acute respiratory infections. The prevalence of other acute respiratory infections is also slightly lower than during the corresponding period of the previous season. Last week, influenza was not laboratory-confirmed in any of the 166 samples tested, whilst RSV infection was confirmed in one sample (0.6 per cent), according to laboratory surveillance data. The proportion of Covid-19-positive samples was 1.2 per cent, remaining at roughly the same level as the previous week. Unlike in previous years, no increase in Covid-19 cases was observed in late summer and early autumn this year.
The first "Hunter" (“Mednieks”) infantry fighting vehicle adapted for Latvia has been handed over to the National Armed Forces (NBS), it was announced on October 7th.
Despite having a rather nice outdoors to explore, Latvians in general, including younger people, are not particularly outdoorsy or keen to get physically active, according to Eurostat data published on October 7th,
The National Blood Donor Centre (VADC) is calling on the public to continue to be supportive throughout October and to donate blood, so that together we can ensure a stable blood supply for Latvia’s hospitals.
In Latgale, incomes are lower, residents are more likely to face health problems, and the number of young people and working-age residents is decreasing. This means that in the future, more and more people may need help in old age, but there will be fewer and fewer people who can provide this help.
The Ministry of Education and Science has begun a review of the general education curriculum; it is possible that a family health education module could also be included in the primary school curriculum. However, this proposal has caused concern amongst representatives of several healthcare and other sectoral associations, who have highlighted that the proposed ‘family health’ education contains very little health literacy, Latvian Radio reported on October 7.
Kristaps Gertmanis, a resident of Cēsis Municipality, has spent several months of his free time developing the ‘AirAlert’ app. It is designed to collate information provided by people and various sensors and help us understand the situation in our airspace, Latvian Television reported on October 6,
This week, masked, aggressive and armed escorts from Belarus attempted to smuggle a group of border crossers into Latvia, the National Armed Forces (NBS) said on October 6.
On Tuesday, 6 October, the government decided to extend Operation ‘Vilkatis’, which is being carried out on Latvia’s eastern border to combat illegal migration, until the end of this year – 31 December, according to the State Chancellery.
During the first weekend of October, birdwatchers in Latvia recorded more than 111,000 birds. Birdwatching and counting formed part of the European Autumn Birdwatching Days, or ‘EuroBirdwatch 2026’.
An upcoming international conference in Rīga will explore how to strengthen cooperation between the cultural and health sectors in education, its organizers have annnounced.
October 5th is marked as World Teachers’ Day, and to celebrate the occasion, Eurostat released some data on teachers in the European Union.
On Saturday, October 3rd, in Krāslava municipality, border guards—in cooperation with soldiers from the National Armed Forces—detained a Latvian citizen who was transporting individuals who had illegally crossed the state border, according to a State Border Guard release.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ office has published a text called 'Greeting on Teachers’ Day' on October 5th. Here it is.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the EU, and screening and other preventive measures are essential to lowering the impact of the disease and reducing mortality rates. Fresh data released by Eurostat on October 2nd to mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month show that Latvia's screening rates remain behind most other EU countries.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) published a decision on October 1st concerning a case brought by a resident of a Latvian care home who claimed he had been wrongfully detained by police officers.
Two people are being charged in the disturbing case of a 12-year-old girl who was raped in Vidzeme region – a man who had sexual relations with the girl, resulting in her becoming pregnant, and a woman who knew about the incident and did not report it to law enforcement.
At the beginning of 2026, there were 413,000 seniors aged 65 and over living in Latvia, which is 22.4% of the total population, according to data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on October 1st.
In June this year, the State Security Service (VDD), in cooperation with the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD), detained a couple on suspicion of illegally gathering information about Latvia’s defence sector on behalf of the Russian military intelligence service (GRU), the VDD said on October 1.
On Wednesday, September 30, Latvia, together with other coalition partners, officially concluded its participation in the international coalition operation "Inherent Resolve" against the terrorist organization "ISIL/Da'esh", the aim of which was to ensure the military defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
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.
By 2030, it is planned to build 732 affordable rental homes in Rīga – in the Pļavnieki, Ziepniekkalns, and Bolderāja disctricts, according to the agency State Real Estate (Valsts nekustamie īpašumi, VNĪ).
From Wednesday, 18 August, the ban on consumer credit advertising has been lifted, whilst strict requirements have been imposed on the content of such adverts, Latvian Radio reported on August 19.
The Latvian central bank, Latvijas Banka (LB) has published its annual Financial Stability Report in English. A report has been published every year since 2003 "to raise public awareness regarding the development of the Latvian financial system and to draw attention to systemic risks."
At the end of last week, Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis (United List) met with Bank of Latvia (LB) Governor Mārtiņš Kazāks to discuss possible cooperation between the Ministry of Finance (FM) and the LB in preparation for the next European Union (EU) funds planning period 2028-2034.
In 2025, mean monthly household consumption expenditure per household member amounted to 619 euros, according to Central Statistical Bureau data published on August 17.
The price of bonds issued by Latvia’s national airline, airBaltic, has fallen by 42.1 per cent since Monday, 10 August – to 16,500 euros per bond, according to information from Deutsche Börse.
Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) provisional data published on August 11 show that in June 2026 Latvia had foreign trade turnover of EUR 3.87 billion, and at current prices it was 16 % higher than a year ago.
To encourage timely payment of administrative fines, the Ministry of Justice is proposing changes where in certain cases, the fine would be reduced if paid on time, the Ministry announced on August 11.
Potato harvest this year is likely to be better than last year, and potato prices are lower – good news for buyers, not so good for sellers, Latvian Radio reported on August 12.
The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), published on August 11, show that, compared to July 2025, in July 2026 the average level of consumer prices increased by 2.6 %.
The energy infrastructure company SIA ‘Enersense’ is to build a 100-megawatt (MW) capacity, 200-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) park in Grobiņa parish, the company announced on August 10.
Enjoy the warm weather while you can, because heating bills could rise by up to 20% from the Autumn.
25. oktobrī plkst. 19 Rīgas Kongresu namā ar spožu kulmināciju noslēgsies Latvijas Nacionālā simfoniskā orķestra (LNSO) simtgades koncertu cikls. Šajā vakarā Karela Marka Šišona diriģētajā koncertā uzstāsies mecosoprāns Elīna Garanča un soprāns Liene Kinča
Lielbritānijas referendums pirms desmit gadiem par izstāšanos no Eiropas Savienības (ES) jeb breksits noteikti bija arī Krievijas ietekmēts, šodien, ierodoties uz Briselē notiekošo Eiropadomes sanāksmi, žurnālistiem sacīja Ministru prezidents Andris Kulbergs (AS).
Lai nodrošinātu nepārtrauktu un efektīvu uzņēmuma korporatīvo pārvaldību līdz brīdim, kad normatīvajos aktos noteiktajā kārtībā tiks noslēgts publisks konkurss uz padomes locekļa amatu, VAS “Starptautiskā lidosta “Rīga”” ārkārtas akcionāru sapulcē 9. oktobrī par uzņēmuma padomes locekli ievēlēta Zla...
Britu alternatīvā roka grupa Placebo sava debijas albuma trīsdesmitgadi svinēs ar koncertu Rīgā piektdien, 16. oktobrī
Administratīvā rajona tiesa ir pieņēmusi izskatīšanai SIA "K2 Ventum" pieteikumu un ierosinājusi administratīvo lietu par Ministru kabineta (MK) atteikumu akceptēt vēja parka "K2 Ventum" projektu, liecina tiesas lēmums.
Latvija joprojām paļaujas uz ASV atbalstu un attiecības ar šo stratēģisko partneri ir spēcīgas, šodien, ierodoties uz Briselē notiekošo Eiropadomes sanāksmi, žurnālistiem sacīja Ministru prezidents Andris Kulbergs (AS).
Piektdien, 16. oktobrī, Stūra mājā notiks izrādes ekskursijas Mans tēvs – krievs pirmizrāde. Tā tapusi pēc mūsdienu latviešu rakstnieces Ingas Žoludes lugas, kurai par pamatu ņemts autores autobiogrāfiskais romāns Tēvs, kas klajā laists izdevniecībā Dienas grāmata 2026. gada janvārī
31. oktobrī plkst. 11 Ogres Centrālajā bibliotēkā sāksies starptautiskais fotogrāfijas simpozijs Egona Spura ceļš. Tas tiek rīkots jau astoņpadsmito gadu un ir viens no lielākajiem fotogrāfijas notikumiem Latvijā
Latvijas sieviešu tenisa pirmā rakete Aļona Ostapenko ceturtdien iekļuva Uhaņas "WTA 1000" turnīra ceturtdaļfinālā.
Šodien Saeima galīgajā lasījumā pieņēma Latgales vēstniecības Gors likumu, informē Kultūras ministrija
Krievijas Federālais drošības dienests (FSB) ceturtdien paziņoja, ka ir aizturēts Zviedrijas pilsonis, kas esot karojis Ukrainas pusē, "nelikumīgi" ieceļojis Krievijā un plānojis "sabotāžas un terorisma" aktus pret militāro infrastruktūru.
ASV prezidenta Donalda Trampa administrācija apsver iespēju mīkstināt sankcijas "ēnu flotes" kuģiem, kas pārvadājuši naftu un naftas produktus no tādām valstīm kā Krievija, Irāna un Venecuēla, vēsta ziņu aģentūra "Reuters", atsaucoties uz ASV amatpersonu.
Pēc Rjazaņas apgabala gubernatora Pāvela Malkova sacītā, rūpnīcas teritorijā izcēlāie ugunsgrēks. Ukrainas monitoringa Telegram kanāls "Exilenova+" platformā "Telegram" publicēja fotogrāfiju, kurā redzams liesmu stabs virs Rjazaņas naftas pārstrādes rūpnīcas. Ukrainas bezpilotu lidaparātu uzbrukum...
Ukrainas bezpilota lidaparāti ceturtdien uzbruka Rjazaņas naftas pārstrādes rūpnīcai, liecina Krievijas amatpersonu teiktais un vizuālā informācija sociālajos medijos.
Saeima ceturtdien galīgajā lasījumā pieņēma grozījumus Krimināllikumā, kas paredz būtiski palielināt kriminālsodus par personas nelikumīgu pārvietošanu pāri valsts robežai, nelikumīgas uzturēšanās nodrošināšanu Latvijā un ļaunprātīgu iespējas radīšanu iegūt uzturēšanās tiesības Latvijā vai citās Eir...
Laikā, kad politikā tik daudz kas šķiet nedrošs un mainīgs, kino ļauj satikties ar rūpīgi veidotu, estētiski kontrolētu pasauli. Un tas nav maz
Septembra beigās Daugavpilī par ieroču zādzību no šautuves apcietināti divi vīrieši, informēja Valsts policija (VP).
Saeimas vēlēšanas ir aiz muguras, un par aktualitāti ir kļuvis vārds «reformas». Pirms lemt par to, ko reformēt, ir jāvienojas, kāpēc.
Ukraina atsāks triecienus Krievijas naftas pārstrādes rūpnīcām, intervijā britu laikrakstam "Financial Times" paziņoja Ukrainas prezidents Volodimirs Zelenskis.
Satiksmes, Iekšlietu un Kultūras ministrijā finansējums NVO tiek piešķirts atbilstoši šo ministriju funkcijām.
Vai slimnīcas, laboratorijas, aptiekas un zāļu ražotāji spētu turpināt darbu ilgstošu elektroapgādes vai sakaru traucējumu, kiberuzbrukuma vai militāra apdraudējuma apstākļos? Vai katram ir skaidra sava loma un rīcība krīzē?
Naktī uz ceturtdienu Krievijas karaspēks uzbruka Ukrainai ar divām vadāmajām aviācijas raķetēm H-59 un 580 droniem, pavēstīja Ukrainas Gaisa spēki.
Demogrāfijas līknei krītot, pašvaldībām nākas risināt pirmsskolu jautājumu.
ASV valdība varētu būt atbildīga par ierobežojumiem dažu Ukrainas ieroču lidojuma ātrumam un to savienojumam ar "SpaceX" interneta tīklu "Starlink", pieļauj ASV uzņēmējs un "SpaceX" īpašnieks Īlons Masks.
Kad rudens vakari kļūst vēsāki un galdā biežāk nonāk sēņu ēdieni, cepti dārzeņi un krēmīgas mērces, ir īstais laiks atklāt baltvīnu, kas spēj sasildīt arī noskaņojumu. Tāds ir Viognier – aromātisks, samtaini bagātīgs un elegants vīns ar persiku un aprikožu smaržu.
Lielākā daļa mājsaimniecību jau sagādājušas granulu krājumus ziemai.
Krievijas karaspēka triecienā naktī uz ceturtdienu Kirovohradas apgabala centrā Kropivnickā nogalināti vismaz trīs cilvēki, bet seši ievainoti, pavēstīja apgabala administrācijas vadītājs Andrijs Raikovičs.
ASV ierosinājušas Eiropas valstīm atbloķēt daļu Krievijas suverēno aktīvu un nodot tos Vašingtonas kontrolē esošai struktūrai, lai atsāktu miera sarunas ar Krieviju, vēsta britu laikraksts "Financial Times", atsaucoties uz četriem informētiem avotiem.
Rudenīgas vakariņas no vietējo dārzu veltēm.
Latviešu valoda ir Latvijas valsts pamats, apsveikumā sabiedrībai Valsts valodas dienā pauž Valsts prezidents Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Vismaz 600 tūkstoši iedzīvotāju Ukrainā vakar piedzīvoja elektrības padeves pārtraukumu pēc naktī uz trešdienu notikušajiem Krievijas raķešu un dronu triecieniem, vēsta BBC
Rumānija trešdien izmeklēja iespējamu jaunu drona uzbrukumu tankkuģim Melnās jūras piekrastē.
Oktobra pirmajā dekādē vidējā gaisa temperatūra Latvijā bija +11,7 grādi jeb 2,8 grādi virs normas, liecina Latvijas Vides, ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centra apkopotā informācija.
Meksikas prezidente Klaudija Šeinbauma trešdien paziņoja, ka sociālo mediju uzņēmumiem "Meta", "TikTok", "X", "Apple" un "Microsoft" tiek dots viens mēnesis vardarbību kurinoša satura aizvākšanai no savām platformām, citādi tiem draudēs sankcijas.
Latvijā šogad astoņos mēnešos reģistrēti 7648 jaundzimušie, kas ir par 4,8% jeb 387 jaundzimušajiem mazāk nekā 2025. gada attiecīgajā periodā, liecina Centrālās statistikas pārvaldes publiskotie provizoriskie dati.
No šodienas Latvijā vairs nedrīkstēs braukt ātrāk par 90 kilometriem stundā (km/h), izņemot Vidzemes šosejas posmu, kur ļoti labos apstākļos drīkstēs braukt ar ātrumu līdz 100 km/h, informē VSIA "Latvijas valsts ceļi" (LVC).
Ceturtdien Latvijā saglabāsies daudz mākoņu, bet nav gaidāmi būtiski nokrišņi, prognozē sinoptiķi.
Valdība grib samazināt tēriņus šā gada ceturtajā ceturksnī.
Kultūras Diena un Izklaide iesaka nedēļas spilgtākos notikumus
Vācijas prokuratūra apsūdz Ukrainas pilsoni par kara noziegumu, uzbrūkot civilajai infrastruktūrai.
Par to, cik ticami ir Apvienotā saraksta publiski piesauktie iemesli iepauzēt ar valdības izveides sarunām, ultimātu par Ārlietu ministriju Baibai Bražei un ministriju sadales proporcijām, Agneses Margēvičas intervija ar Jaunās Vienotības Saeimas frakcijas vadītāju Edmundu Jurēvicu.
Teorētiski iespējams, ka viena no ekonomiskajām tēmām, par kuru nākotnē spriedīs jaunievēlētā Saeima, ir saistīta ar pensiju sistēmu.
Elles koncepcijā nepatīkamākais ir tas, ka var iznākt veselu mūžību vārīties vienā katlā ar nekomunikabliem tipiem.
Patlaban nav iespējams noteikt dzelzceļa infrastruktūras lietošanas maksas palielinājumu 300% apmērā Krievijas graudu tranzītam vai to vispār aizliegt, secinājis premjers
Sestdien, 17. oktobrī, Rīgas kinoteātrī Forum Cinemas tiešraidē no Ņujorkas Metropoles operas tiks demonstrēts Džuzepes Verdi Makbeta jauniestudējums. Šī izrāde, kuru veidojis teātra muzikālais vadītājs Janiks Nezē-Segēns un režisore Luīza Proske, septembrī svinīgi ieskandināja Metropoles operas jau...
Latvijas basketbola klubs "VEF Rīga" trešdien izcīnīja uzvaru arī otrajā FIBA Eiropas kausa spēlē, viesos ar rezultātu 110:94 (24:26, 26:30, 30:16, 30:22) pārspējot Baku "Neftchi".
Latvijas basketbola klubs "Rīgas zeļļi" trešdien Eirokausa mačā pārspēja Riharda Lomaža pārstāvēto Ļubļanas "Olimpija", svinot otro uzvaru trīs spēlēs.
Londonas Karaliskajā mākslas akadēmijā ir atklāta izstāde Gleznojot Francijas Rivjēru/Painting the French Riviera, kura stāsta par to, kā Azūra krasts apbūra un iedvesmoja modernās mākslas dižākos novatorus. Šī ir Karaliskās mākslas akadēmijas lielākā izstāde, kas sarīkota pēdējā desmitgadē
Bulgārijā netālu no galvaspilsētas Sofijas satelītsakaru sistēmas "Starlink" objektā aizdedzinātas antenas, trešdien apstiprināja amatpersonas.
Ģenerālprokurors Armīns Meisters neaicinās citas valsts amatpersonas un institūcijas vērsties Satversmes tiesā (ST) saistībā ar tā dēvēto "kokrūpnieku lietu", lai arī ir pārliecināts, ka tiesas sniegts vērtējums būtu noderīgs nākotnē.
