It is necessary to review restrictions imposed on businesses due to pandemic - Reirs

RIGA - It is necessary to review the restrictions on businesses that are currently unable to work due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Minister of Finance Janis Reirs (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Television last night.

Reirs referred to the statement made by employers' representatives that workers do not need the benefits paid by the state, but the opportunity to work. The Minister drew attention to the fact that Latvia has one of the strictest restrictions, while "the whole of Europe has found a way to live with omicron".

"Our proposal is to review the restrictions on all sectors by February 1 and bring them into line with what is happening in Europe," the minister said.

According to the politician, the extension of various restrictions by the state must be justified, moreover, there are European countries where courts has overturned the government's restrictions because there is no justification for them. The Minister expressed surprise why in similar epidemiological conditions, for example, in Estonia a water amusement park can work and this park can be visited by Latvians, while in Latvia such services cannot be provided at the moment.

Reirs believes that the country should therefore move away from the restrictions and subsequent support measures, which are among the strictest in Europe.

As reported, Latvia has extended the state of emergency in the country until February 28.