Riga City Council approval declines, most leading politicians see rating drops

Data from a SKDS survey commissioned by the Riga City Council shows that resident satisfaction with the municipality has worsened compared to November 2025. The satisfaction index fell from minus 0.9 to minus 4.6 points. Currently, 46% of respondents rate the council's work negatively, while 43% view it positively.

Significant differences exist among population groups. Latvian citizens rated the council with an index of plus 0.1, whereas non-citizens gave a minus 26.6 rating. More positive assessments came from young people aged 18–34, those with higher education, Latvian-speaking families, public sector employees, and those with above-average or high income. Residents of the Vidzeme suburb, Kurzeme district, and Zemgale suburb were also more favorable. Conversely, 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 this May through face-to-face interviews at home with 804 registered Riga residents aged 18 to 75.

Similarly, the ratings of most leading politicians have decreased. The steepest drop was recorded for Marta Kotello (P): her rating fell by 13.7 points to minus 11.3, the lowest among the council leadership. Ģirts Lapiņš (NA) saw a decline of 8.6 points to minus 6.6, and Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (NA) fell by 7.1 points to minus 7.1. Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs (P) dropped by 6.9 points to 2.2. Dainis Locis (NA) recorded minus 1.2, a drop of 3.7 points. Edgars Bergholcs (AS) went from 2.6 to minus 1 (a 3.6-point drop). Elīna Treija (NA) fell by 1.1 point to 1.7, while Inese Andersone (JV) dropped by 0.7 points but remained positive at 1.9.

Only three politicians showed an increase. Deputy Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis (JV) saw the largest rise: his rating increased by 7.1 points to 2. Deputy Mayor Māris Sprindžuks grew by 3.3 points to 0.8, while Laima Geikina (JV), the best-rated politician, reached 2.9 – up 0.4 points from autumn.

Politician ratings are based on responses from 665 Latvian citizens.