Latvia & nearby
Šlesers: Vanšu Bridge Closure Could Mean Up to Two Hours a Day in Traffic Jams
Riga City Council deputy Edvards Šlesers says drivers may spend up to two hours a day in traffic during repairs to the Vanšu Bridge. A temporary pontoon bridge is being considered, and he says a decision is urgent.
Delfi · 9 Oct, 05:29
Neighbours and Visitors Gather in Lēdurga for Porridge Day
Lēdurga, a village in Limbaži municipality, held its traditional Porridge Day last Sunday. Local residents, craftspeople, singers and dancers gathered there, and several kinds of porridge were served.
Auseklis (Limbaži) · 9 Oct, 05:27
Construction businessman goes on trial over tax debt of 250 thousand owed to the state
A construction businessman is on trial after his company built up a tax debt of about 250 thousand to the state. The case raises the question of whether taxes can simply go unpaid.
TVNET · 9 Oct, 05:27
Limbaži Debates Future of Ķezberkalns Hillfort and Its Soviet-Era Graves
At its September meeting, a Limbaži municipal committee discussed the future of the Ķezberkalns hillfort, after the local government received three submissions. A society and a cultural-space group urge tidying up the site and reviewing the fate of the graves there.
Auseklis (Limbaži) · 9 Oct, 04:29
Kambala's wife says Kaspars left her with over €10,000 in apartment debt
Olga, the wife of Latvian fighter Kaspars Kambala, told the magazine Privātā Dzīve that after their marriage collapsed she was left with unpaid apartment bills exceeding €10,000. She claims Kaspars blocked her after receiving his fight fee.
NRA · 9 Oct, 04:26
Aizpute Secondary School Teacher and Local Historian Mirdza Birzniece Dies at 100
Mirdza Birzniece, a longtime teacher at Aizpute Secondary School in Latvia, a local historian and writer, died on 8 October aged 100. She had celebrated her 100th birthday on 23 September.
Jauns.lv · 9 Oct, 03:30
Limbaži Municipality Reports Calm but Busy Week of Saeima Elections
The Limbaži municipal election commission describes the 3 October election of Latvia's 15th Saeima as incident-free, though turnout was lower than in the previous parliamentary vote. Vote counting was delayed by re-voting that had to be checked in an online register.
Auseklis (Limbaži) · 9 Oct, 03:29
Construction Businessman on Trial Over Roughly 250,000 in Unpaid Taxes
A Latvian construction businessman is on trial after his company built up a debt to the state of about 250 thousand. Money came into the firm's accounts and tax returns were filed on time, yet the state budget received nothing.
Apollo.lv · 9 Oct, 02:28
Political scientist: Šlesers has drawn Russian-speaking voters who are not “vatniks”
Political scientist Filips Rajevskis says Ainārs Šlesers won about 60% of Russian-speaking votes in the latest Latvian parliamentary election, bringing in voters who stayed home in 2022. He argues they cannot simply be labelled “vatniks”.
Latvijas Avīze · 9 Oct, 01:31
Voter Turnout Slump: What the 15th Saeima Election Data Show
Turnout in Latvia's 15th Saeima election was 51.79%, but think tank Providus says turnout among voters living in Latvia was about 57.7%, close to 2018. The drop is largely explained by low diaspora participation, fading war-driven mobilisation and weaker turnout in ageing regions.
LV portāls · 9 Oct, 01:28
Tallinn declaration commits Latvia and partners to protecting cultural heritage in times of crisis
Latvia and eight other countries have pledged, in the Tallinn Declaration, to deepen cooperation on preserving cultural heritage and keeping cultural life going during crises and war. The document also reaffirms support for defending Ukraine's culture and identity.
Jauns.lv · 9 Oct, 01:01
Saeima restricts Russian and Belarusian stakes in critical infrastructure
The Saeima has adopted in the final reading amendments to the National Security Law barring Russian and Belarusian-affiliated persons from acquiring significant holdings in Category D critical infrastructure entities. The amendments were proposed by the Ministry of Economics.
NRA · 8 Oct, 23:59
Latvia recalls Lithuanian smoked salmon over Listeria contamination
Latvia's Food and Veterinary Service is pulling a Lithuanian cold-smoked Atlantic salmon product from sale after laboratory tests found Listeria. Consumers are urged not to eat it.
Jauns.lv · 8 Oct, 22:58
Lithuania to introduce 50% discount on train and intercity bus tickets
Because of high fuel prices, the Lithuanian government plans to temporarily halve public transport fares. The train discount starts on 9 October, while the bus discount is provisionally set for 1 November.
NRA · 8 Oct, 22:57
"Nu i nedelya" show discusses election results and prospects for the next government
LSM's Russian-language program "Nu i nedelya!" examined the election results, a possible coalition and the role of Russian-speaking voters. The panel included a journalist, a political scientist and a film director.
LSM (rus) · 8 Oct, 21:58
New NEPLP Member Remberga Rejects Criticism Over Her Appointment
Dita Remberga, newly elected to the National Electronic Mass Media Council by the Saeima, names information space security, the Latvian language and modern regulation as priorities. She rejects objections raised by the foundation "Ilgtspējas fonds" against her confirmation.
Jauns.lv · 8 Oct, 21:56
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LTV: Smiltēns Could Become Speaker of the 15th Saeima
Latvian Television reports that outgoing Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns could take the post of Speaker of the 15th Saeima. The report is based on several unnamed sources.
Apollo.lv · 8 Oct, 20:59
New Saeima leadership takes shape: Edvards Smiltēns may return as speaker
Latvian Television reports that outgoing Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns could be nominated as speaker of the 15th Saeima. Candidates for the other Presidium posts are also emerging.
Jauns.lv · 8 Oct, 20:57
Edvards Smiltēns Could Be Put Forward as Saeima Speaker
Outgoing Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns may be nominated to lead the new Saeima. Latvian Television reports this, citing several sources.
TVNET · 8 Oct, 20:56
Food Service: Listeria Found in Lithuanian Cold-Smoked Salmon Fillet
Latvia's Food and Veterinary Service is pulling a frozen cold-smoked Atlantic salmon fillet of Lithuanian origin from sale after laboratory tests detected listeria. Consumers who bought it are urged not to eat it.
NRA · 8 Oct, 20:56
LSM.lv publishes the 8 October episode of «Обсудим вечером»
A new episode of the Russian-language programme «Обсудим вечером» appeared on the LSM.lv platform on 8 October 2026. The publication does not name the topics discussed or the participants.
LSM (rus) · 8 Oct, 20:56
Grain Transit from Russia Through Latvia Continues as Fate of LDz Subsidiary Questioned
The government's plan to stop grain transit from Russia and Belarus has run into European legislation. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has questioned whether the regulator LatRailNet should continue to exist.
LSM (rus) · 8 Oct, 19:58
Three-Year-Old Walks Out of Kindergarten in Bauska and Covers Two Kilometres Alone
A three-year-old boy left his group room and the grounds of a kindergarten in Bauska and made his way home alone. His family has gone to the police and is questioning the facility's safety.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Oct, 19:57
Special Tasks Battalion trains for controlling an aggressive crowd at a base in Kurzeme
The State Police Special Tasks Battalion has held tactical exercises at a military base in Kurzeme. The drills tested its readiness to put down mass disorder and to neutralise armed criminals.
LSM · 8 Oct, 18:59
Police detain pickpockets on a Riga bus after they steal a woman's wallet
State Police in Riga detained a man and a woman suspected of pickpocketing on a No. 22 bus. The stolen 104 euros were recovered and a criminal case has been opened.
NRA · 8 Oct, 18:57
Estonia admits Solikamsk plant left off sanctions list due to supply dependence
The draft of the EU's 22nd sanctions package will not include the Solikamsk plant. Estonian authorities acknowledge that the decision is linked to dependence on rare earth metal supplies.
ERR (rus) · 8 Oct, 18:56
Courier Left a €500 Parcel at the Door: Who Is Liable for the Missing Item?
A woman in Latvia never found an online order worth about €500 after a courier left it at her door without arranging it with her. The consumer rights centre PTAC says the courier acted wrongly and explains what to do.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Oct, 17:57
Braže and Kulbergs discuss bigger US military presence in Latvia with US congressman
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs met US Congressman José Luis Correa in Riga. Talks focused on the US military presence, investment, security and support for Ukraine.
Diena · 8 Oct, 17:57
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15-year prison sentence takes effect for two men over a killing in Riga 18 years ago
A 15-year prison sentence for two men convicted of killing a young woman in central Riga has entered into force. The crime took place on Ģertrūdes Street more than 18 years ago.
Apollo.lv · 8 Oct, 17:56
Man Born in 1954 Reported Missing in Kuldīga Municipality
State Police are searching for Olafs Krasts, who was found to be absent from his place of residence in Kabile on 8 October. He has health problems, and police are asking the public for help.
NRA · 8 Oct, 17:56
Special Tasks Battalion trains to quell riots and neutralise armed individuals
The State Police Special Tasks Battalion held exercises at the Mežaine training ground, practising responses to mass disorder and armed threats. The goal was to strengthen the battalion's capacity and its cooperation with other units.
TVNET · 8 Oct, 16:58
State Police Special Task Battalion Trains to Control Rioting Crowds in Exercise
The State Police Special Task Battalion held an exercise at the Mežaine training ground with more than 400 Latvian and foreign law enforcement representatives. Participants rehearsed responding to an armed attack at a school and the mass disorder that followed.
NRA · 8 Oct, 16:56
Estonian Spa Association Warns There May Not Be Enough Customers for New Spas
Aire Toffer, head of the Estonian Spa Association, cautions that the spas due to open in the coming years may lack enough solvent customers. Entrepreneur Oleg Gross, however, believes a high-quality product will draw visitors.
ERR News · 8 Oct, 16:56
Turku Daycare Staff Asked Not to Bring Snacks That Could Make Children Envious
The Finnish city of Turku has advised early childhood education staff not to bring snacks that might make children envious of others' food. The guidance has confused daycare employees and sparked debate across Finland.
ERR (rus) · 8 Oct, 16:55
MP Jakovins held administratively liable over violations in issuing sick leave certificates
Saeima member and family doctor Juris Jakovins has been held administratively liable for violations in issuing sick leave certificates. Earlier, the Riga City Court found him guilty of issuing a forged medical statement.
LSM · 8 Oct, 15:58
Bank of Latvia's "Chestnut" collector coin sells out within three hours
The Bank of Latvia says its silver collector coin "Kastanis" (Chestnut) with gilded details was sold out three hours after sales began. Interest in the coin was high.
Jauns.lv · 8 Oct, 15:58