As the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World No Tobacco Day on May 31, it was announced that Latvia, along with 23 other countries, will require large graphic warnings on packages of cigarettes. The images reportedly portray a brain bleeding from a stroke, infants born prematurely and rotting teeth. The WHO is trying to convince other nations to use this graphic imagery as it has been shown to be effective in changing smoker's behavior. Latvia has legalized the use of graphic imagery to replace the standard warning text starting in 2010.
Latvian airlines have begun setting ticket prices in euros. As of June 1, the automatic reservation system Web sites of Amadeus, Galileo and WorldSpan will list Latvian airline tickets in euros. The decision was made by all airlines that sell tickets in Latvia and who are also a part of the International Air Transportation Association. This association includes airBaltic which is preparing to set its prices in euros as well, while still accepting payment in lats. The President and CEO of airBaltic, Bertolt Flick said the move will not have much of an effect on passengers, provided the lat remains stable.
The Preili-Livani Road in eastern Latvia has been the scene of a deadly car accident which claimed the life of a five year old and wounded five adults. Linda Neimane Zobena from the State Police's Public Relations Department told LETA, the accident occurred on May 31 at about 1:30 p.m. on the 7th kilometer of the Preili-Livani road, when a man drove a 'Chrysler Town Car' off the road and overturned it. The cause of the accident remains unknown. State Police are still investigating.
The Latvian Security Police have received information from local government officials, entrepreneurs, organizations and residents, which presents evidence of vote-buying risks and other possible illegal activities ahead of the June 6 elections. During the pre-election period, there are an increased number of cases in which people are offered to be paid to vote for a specific election ticket. Such cases are especially prevalent in Latgale, Kristine Apse-Krumina, aide to the Security Police chief, told LETA. Police have been put on high-alert during the elections, and are working to prevent and control such illegal actions. If anyone has any information on possible vote-buying or election fraud, they are urged to contact their nearest police station. They can also report such activities by calling 02 or 112; or to the Security Police at 67208964; or by emailing
[email protected].
Latvian public sector jobs will be decreased by 10,000 from 79,408 to 69,954 reports LETA. By far the most affected sector will be the education and science sector which is looking at a decrease from 11,136 to 8,970 jobs. The Interior Ministry is also slated to go from 18,575 to 17,202 jobs. Saeima [Latvian Parliament] staff will not lose any workers, however the Presidents office will be cut by four employees. The number of jobs at the Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) will decrease by seven to 147 jobs. The State Audit Office's staff will be cut from 197 to 163, and the Supreme Court's staff from 203 to 167. The number of employees at the Health Ministry will increase from 5,462 to 5,729. No staff cuts are planned at the Constitutional Court and Central Election Commission.
