Conflict Erupts at NGO Support Picket in Riga
A verbal confrontation broke out Wednesday evening at an NGO support picket near the Freedom Monument in Riga, as a group of nationalist youth arrived, leading to police intervention.
On Wednesday evening, a picket titled "Hands Off Civil Society" took place at the Freedom Monument in Riga, organized by the youth organization "Protests", affiliated with the Progressives party. During the event, a group of nationalist youth from the movement "Latvija latviešiem" (Latvia for Latvians) arrived, sparking a heated exchange between the two sides. Police were called to the scene.
Participants of the picket, gathered to show support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and oppose potential funding cuts, carried signs with slogans such as "For a Saeima that Keeps Its Word" and "Say No to Urbanization, Dombravization, Puntulization, Kulbergization". Many wore black at the organizers' request. Chants included "Repressions Won't Save the State" and "Deputies, How Can This Be, Where Is Democracy?".
Organization "Protests" argues that NGOs fill policy gaps that the state alone cannot address, helping in regions and crises. They emphasize the importance of civil society for democracy, citing the role of NGOs in hosting Ukrainian war refugees and the citizen initiative platform "ManaBalss.lv". The organization criticizes the uncertainty surrounding the review of NGO funding.
In related context, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has requested the State Chancellery to prepare a full analysis of state funding to NGOs, with information expected by Friday. Kulbergs previously noted that participants of Memorandum Council meetings receive compensation for attendance. Additionally, National Alliance politicians have asked the Finance Ministry to expand an audit of projects managed by the Ministry of Culture, and Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis has suspended the financial operations of the Latvian Women's NGO Cooperation Network regarding a specific project.
