Lawyer: Municipal Councillors Could Face Lawsuits Over Unjustified Delays to Investment Projects
Construction law specialist Andris Jēkabsons says unfounded public protests often stall development projects important to Latvia's economy, and companies can sue not only municipalities but individual councillors personally over such delays.
Lawyer Andris Jēkabsons, who has practised construction law privately since 2014, says major development projects in Latvia frequently get stuck due to resident protests, even when the objections lack solid grounds. According to his observations, the biggest problems arise with projects that generate noise, odours or other emissions — such projects are initially welcomed by local governments, but attitudes shift once residents voice discontent and councillors start worrying about voter approval.
Election year as a risk factor
Jēkabsons notes that it is unwise to advance large development projects close to an election year, since local politicians become especially susceptible to residents' concerns, however unfounded. He says investors are sometimes told to come back with their proposal after the election.
A contradiction in public attitudes
The specialist points out that Latvians generally support economic growth but prefer such projects to be located elsewhere rather than near their own homes, often suggesting they be built in another region instead. He also notes that people frequently buy property without checking a municipality's development plans, later being surprised to learn a facility is planned nearby.
Success stories exist too
Jēkabsons cites the example of a pig farm project where initially hostile residents changed their attitude over time after the investor addressed their concerns and met their demands — a later expansion of the same facility drew no objections. However, he says the public sphere lacks coverage of such positive examples, with narratives instead dominated by potential, often exaggerated problems.
Possible legal consequences
Jēkabsons reminds that businesses can sue not only a municipality as a whole but also individual councillors personally over unjustified delays to investments. Litigation costs not only money but also valuable time, during which development projects important to the state and regions remain stalled instead of delivering their intended economic benefit.
