Luminor Economist Strautiņš's Remarks on Latvian Identity Spark Sharp Public Reaction

Comments by Pēteris Strautiņš, an economist at the bank Luminor, on immigration and Latvian identity have provoked displeasure among several members of the public, including Liāna Langa, who advocates for Latvian identity. On the social platform X, she posted a message criticising the bank's reputation in connection with the economist's words.

Strautiņš spoke at the "RĪGA 2050" conference, held on Thursday, 29 October, at the Spīķeri concert hall in Riga. The event marked the start of long-term development planning for the Latvian capital. In his speech he argued that Latvian society should not worry about the possibility that the appearance of the country's residents may change in the future, and that the average Latvian may have darker skin.

The economist's arguments

Strautiņš said there is no basis for assuming that a Latvian must necessarily be white, as no such requirement appears in the Satversme (the Latvian constitution), in its preamble, or in the works of classic Latvian writers. He also urged anyone troubled by such changes to "flip a switch in their head".

Reaction online

In online comments, the economist's remarks prompted a sharp and emotional response. Some commenters expressed outrage at his stance, others criticised his reasoning, and some even said they intend to end their relationship with Luminor. There were also calls to bring the matter to the attention of the bank's management.

One commenter argued that the constitution does not define the issue because, at the time, such a question would have seemed absurd. Another said they could not believe the video was real and suggested it might have been made with artificial intelligence. A further comment concerned the banking sector in general, while another claimed the economist was simply stating the elite's goal openly.

The source does not say whether Luminor or its management has publicly commented on the situation.