Riga residents' satisfaction with city council drops; index falls to -4.6

A survey commissioned by the Riga City Council and conducted by the research center SKDS reveals a decline in residents' assessment of the municipality's performance between November 2025 and May 2026.

The satisfaction index, calculated as the difference between positive and negative ratings, fell from minus 0.9 to minus 4.6. Negative ratings were given by 46% of respondents, while 43% expressed a positive opinion.

Significant differences emerged between Latvian citizens and non-citizens. Among citizens, the index stood at plus 0.1, whereas among non-citizens it was minus 26.6.

More favorable assessments came from respondents aged 18 to 34, those with higher education, individuals whose families primarily speak Latvian, public sector employees, and people with medium-high or high incomes. Residents of the Vidzeme suburb, Kurzeme district, and Zemgale suburb also gave more positive ratings.

Conversely, more critical views were expressed by respondents aged 45 and older, those with primary or secondary education, Russian speakers, private sector employees, and residents of the Latgale suburb and Northern district.

The survey was conducted in May 2026 through face-to-face interviews at respondents' homes. It involved 804 residents registered in Riga, aged 18 to 75.