Latvia's Week: Minister Dismissed, airBaltic Begins Restructuring

Minister removed after drunk-driving arrest

Latvia's prime minister dismissed Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks from his post after he was caught driving while heavily intoxicated. Until parliamentary elections, ministerial duties will be carried out by fellow party member Uldis Augulis. The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) expelled Uzulnieks from the party, though he remains the party's list leader in the Zemgale electoral district, meaning he could retain influence in the upcoming election race despite no longer belonging to ZZS.

airBaltic launches restructuring

National carrier airBaltic announced it is beginning a restructuring of its financial obligations, placing oversight of the process with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. Other airlines have previously taken similar steps. The process falls under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code, which shields companies from creditor claims while they restructure. airBaltic expects to complete the process by June 2027 and says customer service will continue as usual throughout. The airline also reported receiving a binding commitment from financiers for €350 million in new financing to secure liquidity and ensure continued operations during the restructuring.