Sociologist Kaktiņš: Latvia has not yet reached a development turning point

On the TV24 programme "Latvijas labums," sociologist and head of the research company SKDS, Arnis Kaktiņš, voiced doubts about claims that Latvia is currently undergoing a significant turning point in its development.

Kaktiņš stressed that major change does not happen on its own, and that drafting new strategies, concepts, and development plans is not enough on its own to constitute progress. He noted with some irony that artificial intelligence can now generate such documents in large volumes, meaning the mere existence of concepts proves little.

Where real change would show up

According to Kaktiņš, a genuine turning point could only be confirmed by concrete steps in the practical and administrative sphere — changes to the tax system, legislation, and other regulations that directly affect the business environment. He added that after such changes are implemented, time would still be needed to assess their actual results.

As signs of positive momentum, Kaktiņš pointed to the emergence of new companies, improved financial results for businesses, and growth in profits and exports. However, he said he currently does not see such substantial changes taking place in Latvia's economy.

Bureaucracy cuts called insufficient

The sociologist welcomed efforts to reduce bureaucracy but noted that isolated improvements are not enough, since most bureaucratic obstacles for businesses remain in place. Given this, Kaktiņš assessed the current situation critically, saying it is too early to speak of a genuine development turning point in Latvia.