Most of the population is proud of their nationality, and half are proud to be European, a recent Eurobarometer survey suggests. As many as 83 percent of respondents are proud of their national identity, while 15 percent do not feel this is something to be proud of. Fifty percent of those polled take pride in being Europeans, while 24 percent don't and 23 percent do not "feel European."
Riga Mayor Aivars Aksenoks promised that there would be minimal restrictions during the March 16 parade commemorating Latvian Legionnaires who fought on the side of Nazi Germany during World War II. Aksenoks said he would try to keep the restrictions down to a minimum. Yet he added that, when reviewing applications by NGOs for the organization of any pickets, rallies or processions, the Riga City Council would listen to the Latvian Constitution Court.
The number of road fatalities in Latvia last year totaled 402 - including 12 children - a drop by 35 people from 2005, the State Police reported. As many as 5,373 people sustained injuries in road accidents in 2006, down from 5,605 people in 2005. Drunk driving also decreased, dropping from 13,025 reports in 2005 to 8,866 last year.
The Strategic Analysis Commission proposed drawing up a long-term development strategy and form a special development institute for the task. "The long-term development strategy should be worked out at the level of the government, the parliament and the president," said commission representative Edvins Karnitis.
