Riga City Council's approval drops: more negative than positive ratings

The latest survey by the research center SKDS shows that Riga residents' assessment of the municipal government has worsened over the past six months. Commissioned by the Riga City Council, the survey was conducted in May 2026, and its results were compared with a previous poll from November 2025.

The satisfaction index fell from minus 0.9 to minus 4.6. Negative ratings were given by 46% of respondents, while 43% rated the council's work positively. Significant differences emerged between citizens and non-citizens of Riga: the index for citizens was plus 0.1, but for non-citizens it was minus 26.6.

The survey data also indicates that the council's work was rated more favorably by young people aged 18 to 34, those with higher education, Latvian-speaking families, public sector employees, and respondents with above-average or high incomes. Geographically, more positive ratings came from the Vidzeme suburb, Kurzeme district, and Zemgale suburb.

In contrast, more critical assessments were given by residents aged 45 and older, people with primary or secondary education, Russian speakers, private sector workers, and those living in the Latgale suburb or Northern district.

The survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews at respondents' homes, involved 804 Riga residents aged 18 to 75.