The founding of publishing house 'Pētergailis': Rebirth of Latvian publishing after independence
Founded in 1990, the publishing house 'Pētergailis' is one of many private publishers that emerged after Latvia regained independence, when Soviet-era restrictions and censorship were lifted.
After the adoption of Latvia's Declaration of Independence on May 4, 1990, and the subsequent development of the Law on Entrepreneurship, it became possible to establish private enterprises, including publishing houses. During the Soviet occupation, publishing had been under strict state control. Censorship was abolished with the Law on Press and Other Mass Media. In 1990, there were 40 publishers in Latvia, a number that grew to 140 by 1991. Today, the number of active publishers is around 400. One of the publishers founded in 1990 is 'Pētergailis', which still operates and maintains its unique character.
