"Nu i nedelya": Cable Bridge Repairs, Politicians' Salaries and EU Sanctions Discussed

The latest episode of LSM's Russian-language weekly review program "Nu i nedelya" covered several current topics in Latvian domestic politics and international affairs. The discussion featured LSM journalist Roman Shmelev, researcher Artur Bykov from the anti-corruption organization Delna, and journalist and political commentator Alexandra Poleshchuk.

One of the main subjects was the upcoming renovation of the Vantu (cable-stayed) Bridge in Riga and how to prevent a transport collapse and traffic congestion in the city during the works. The participants discussed possible measures to reduce the impact of the repairs on daily traffic.

Electoral system and parliament size

A second topic was a potential reform of Latvia's electoral system — what changes might be introduced and how they could affect the country's political process. A related subject was a proposal to reduce the number of deputies in the Latvian parliament, an issue that periodically resurfaces in public debate over the efficiency of state governance.

The program also touched on European Union sanctions and whether they function as a tool of political bargaining in international relations. The episode's title additionally references discussion of politicians' salaries and so-called Kremlin agents in Latvia, pointing to a broader range of domestic policy and security issues covered in the conversation.

"Nu i nedelya" is LSM's weekly Russian-language review program in which journalists and invited experts comment on current events in Latvia.