Latvian soldiers' base monthly pay to rise by 190 euros next year

The base monthly salary of soldiers in Latvia is to be raised by 190 euros next year. This was explained on the TV24 programme "Preses klubs" by Andris Sprūds, a member of the Saeima (Latvia's parliament) and professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU). He stressed that alongside investment in weapons and military equipment, attention must also be paid to the people serving in the National Armed Forces.

How a soldier's pay is built up

Sprūds noted that a soldier's remuneration has several components. The base monthly salary is currently 835 euros, and it is planned to increase by 190 euros next year. A coefficient depending on the post held is applied to this amount, and compensation for meals and food supplies is added.

Overall, a soldier starting service receives around 1,400 euros a month, Sprūds said. He also pointed out that rising everyday costs should be considered when assessing this figure.

Assessment of the increase

In Sprūds's view, the pay rise is a justified decision given the growing cost of living. He acknowledged that the size of the increase may not seem large, but said it amounts to additional financial support for soldiers.

The lawmaker stressed that care for people must not take second place to investment in equipment. This applies not only to professional soldiers but also to members of the National Guard (Zemessardze) and young people in the State Defence Service.

State Defence Service

Sprūds welcomed the State Defence Service infrastructure developed in recent years, as well as the work of its instructors. In his view, not only quantitative indicators matter, but also that young people gain valuable experience during service and the conviction that this time has contributed both to their own lives and to the country's defence.