Government cannot afford political instability - PM

RIGA - Given the geopolitical situation, the government cannot afford political instability, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said at a debate at the Saeima session before the adoption of next year's budget.

The politician reminded that the country was in a difficult situation, given Latvia's geographical location. "Latvia has developed a huge capacity in the security sphere over the years," the prime minister said.

Speaking about the investment in security, Silina noted that representatives of other countries also come to Latvia to learn about what a hybrid threat is.

Silina believes that, given the situation, the government cannot afford political instability. It is necessary to continue the work that has been started both on security issues and on issues to raise the welfare of the population.

In her view, next year's budget is not only aimed at strengthening national security, but will also contribute to economic growth.

Saeima deputy speaker Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica (New Unity) stressed that this is a security budget, its aim is to take care of the protection of the population. Next year's budget will also allow the economy to develop.

Kalnina-Lukasevica listed various benefits of next year's budget, such as improvements in tax policy, which will benefit all Latvian citizens.

The Saeima opposition is much more critical of next year's budget. For example, opposition MP Maris Sprindzuks (United List) assessed that this budget is built on debt, it is too optimistic and will spend more than it earns.

Sprindzuks said that the budget is unrealistic, i.e. the economy will grow slower than forecast. "It is a budget of despair", said Sprindzuks.

As reported, the Saeima today continues to consider the draft state budget for 2025 in its final reading.

On Wednesday, MPs examined 31 accompanying bills to the draft budget, with a total of 212 proposals submitted, and also began hearing the draft law on the state budget for 2025 and the budget framework for 2025, 2026 and 2027. For the bill on the national budget, 311 proposals were submitted.