Journalist Daukšte: loud NGO funding reform push ended in almost nothing

Anita Daukšte, host of TV24's “Ziņu top” and “Nedēļa. Post scriptum,” criticized on the program “Preses klubs” how a loudly launched debate over reforming the funding principles for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Latvia has played out. According to her, the initially proposed solution was far broader than what ultimately materialized.

“I'd rather say that such a huge offensive ended up producing just a puff of nothing,” Daukšte said on the show.

From sweeping reform to a transport allowance

The journalist explained that political rhetoric initially framed the issue as a comprehensive overhaul of NGO funding principles, creating public expectations of major change. In her assessment, however, the outcome amounted to little more than some kind of compensation for transport costs — a far narrower measure than what had been promised to the public.

Daukšte stressed that a significant gap has formed between political statements and the decisions actually taken, and she identified this lack of follow-through as one of the core problems.

Criticism of emotional rhetoric

Daukšte also referenced earlier criticism voiced by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) regarding organizations that rely heavily on state funding. She said she understands his point, but argued that public criticism alone is not enough unless it is followed by concrete decisions.

She further pointed to a broader trend of sharp, emotionally charged rhetoric being used when discussing NGOs and other topics of public concern. In her view, such language easily grabs attention and provokes an emotional response but does not by itself solve problems. Daukšte argued that politicians should instead focus on consistent decision-making and follow-through rather than loud statements.