Vitenbergs: Liquidation of KEM Is Only a Matter of Time

In an interview, Climate and Energy Minister Vitenbergs stated that the liquidation of the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) is only a matter of time. He argues that, in the long term, Latvia should establish a single Ministry of National Economy, merging KEM, the Ministry of Economics (EM), and possibly the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM).

The minister recalled that KEM was created with specific objectives: cutting off from Russian energy supply, balancing the interests of citizens and businesses in renewable energy projects, and mitigating security risks in energy supply. However, he noted that the ministry’s focus has shifted over time, becoming “airy” as it concentrated on distant climate goals for 2050, while immediate issues require attention.

Vitenbergs wants to bring the ministry “back to earth” – focusing on public and municipal interests, security solutions for infrastructure, and the next heating season. He emphasized that the functions performed by KEM will not disappear but may change in scale.

He cited Estonia’s example, where several ministries share the same building, enabling efficient problem-solving. He also mentioned that the New Unity party has already proposed merging the Ministry of Welfare with the Ministry of Health, and underlined that broader changes are needed.

Vitenbergs pointed out that KEM’s daily work in an open office shows that state administration can be dynamic. He asked: why not have a single Ministry of National Economy on three floors with one minister instead of three? This would be modern and suitable for the current situation and resources.