Latvia & nearby
New Saeima lawmakers: oldest 73, youngest not yet 26
The average age of Latvia's 100 newly elected parliament members is nearly 49, with only nine born after the restoration of independence. Most hold higher education degrees, and a majority previously worked in politics or the public sector.
BNN · 5 Oct, 21:26
Tavars does not rule out a two-party coalition, but favors a broader government
Edgars Tavars of the Apvienotais saraksts party, which won Latvia's 15th Saeima election, said on Latvian Television that while a two-party coalition is not impossible, a broader government would be better placed to make necessary but unpopular decisions.
LSM · 5 Oct, 21:25
Police seek missing teenager last heard from in late September, possibly in Liepāja
Latvian police are searching for Denis Kondratcev, born in 2007, after a relative in Riga lost contact with him on September 23. He may currently be in Liepāja.
Delfi · 5 Oct, 21:24
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Over 111,000 birds observed in Latvia in early October
Bird watchers in Latvia counted more than 111,000 birds during the first weekend of October, the Latvian Ornithological Society reported.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 21:22
Zivtiņš: debate over MPs' salaries misses the real cause of public frustration
Newly elected MP Edmunds Zivtiņš of 'Latvia First' says the dispute over politicians' pay ignores the root cause of public discontent, while also criticizing 'New Unity' for a system it built but can no longer reform.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 21:21
As adults voted for Saeima, children in Cēsis municipality held their own election
On the day of Latvia's 15th Saeima elections, Cēsis municipality also held a parallel vote for children and young people, with 2,680 participating. The municipality has pledged to implement the winning ideas in 2026 and 2027.
Jauns.lv · 5 Oct, 20:24
Saeima election passed without cyber incidents, but experts warn new threats lie ahead
Latvia's Saeima election proceeded smoothly with no significant technical disruptions or signs of outside interference, though experts say this was no accident but the result of lessons learned from the past.
LSM (rus) · 5 Oct, 20:20
Šlesers hints at nationwide protest if 'Vienotība' joins next government
Ainārs Šlesers thanked his voters for a second-place election result and criticized Kulbergs's plan to form a government with 'Vienotība,' asking supporters if they'd be willing to join a nationwide protest.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 19:24
Ancient trees over 377 years old felled in Rucava forest despite known protected habitat
A forest stand near Rucava containing pine trees at least 377 years old was felled even though the site held a registered protected habitat and rare species records. Delfi has asked responsible institutions to explain.
Delfi · 5 Oct, 19:22
Kuldīga holds Duke Jacob's autumn fair, full of jokes and bargaining
The Kuldīga municipality held its largest autumn celebration — Duke Jacob's Fair — where visitors shared jokes, including some about the upcoming elections.
LSM · 5 Oct, 19:21
Pre-war Estonian statesman Otto Pukk reburied in Kuressaare
The remains of pre-war Estonian politician Otto Pukk and his wife have been reburied on his native Saaremaa island, 75 years after his death. The ceremony was organized by his grandchildren.
ERR News · 5 Oct, 17:27
Cyberattackers 'probed' infrastructure during Saeima election, without success
Latvia's Cert.lv says cybersecurity during the Saeima election remained stable — attacker activity was observed but had no effect on the election system, which officials attribute to long-term preparation.
LSM · 5 Oct, 17:26
Latvian lawmakers debate next president, say Rinkēvičs' intentions must be known first
Politicians elected to the 15th Saeima discussed the future presidency on TV24, agreeing that parties should first learn whether incumbent Edgars Rinkēvičs wants a second term. The conversation also touched on hypothetical names, including meteorologist Toms Bricis.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 17:24
PM Kulbergs: advance-voting rules may be revised after election
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs praised the new voting system used in the 15th Saeima election but says the ability to cancel an early-cast vote by voting again on election day should be reconsidered.
Jauns.lv · 5 Oct, 17:22
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Health Minister Abu Meri to step down as chair of ruling party's council
Latvian Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri is resigning as chairman of the "New Unity" party council, saying he wants to take his share of responsibility for the party's election results, his adviser Ilona Oša told LETA.
Apollo.lv · 5 Oct, 16:25
Latvia's Health Minister Abu Meri Resigns as Party Council Chair After Poor Election Result
Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri has stepped down as council chairman of the New Unity party, taking responsibility for its weak election showing, while continuing as minister until a new government is formed.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 16:24
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Abu Meri steps down as Jaunā vienotība council chairman
Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri has decided to leave his post as council chairman of the 'Jaunā vienotība' party, taking a share of responsibility for the party's election results, his adviser Ilona Oša told LETA.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 16:22
Abu Meri steps back from active role in Unity party
Outgoing health minister Hosams Abu Meri has announced he is resigning as chairman of the Unity party council and will step back from active party involvement, after failing to win a seat in the 15th Saeima election.
Delfi · 5 Oct, 16:21
US transfers 13 reconnaissance drones to Estonia to boost border security
The United States has handed over 13 small reconnaissance drones to Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board to help monitor hard-to-reach border areas, with the transfer agreement signed in Tallinn.
ERR News · 5 Oct, 15:22
Estonia's industrial output climbs 4.5% in August, driven by energy sector
Estonia's industrial production rose 4.5% year on year in August, largely thanks to a sharp surge in energy output, while manufacturing growth remained modest.
ERR News · 5 Oct, 14:26
Journalist: Russia recruiting spies in Latvia among pensioners and everyday professionals
Journalist Imants Liepiņš says Russian intelligence, unable to find traitors within Latvia's armed forces, is instead trying to recruit agents among pensioners, taxi drivers, electricians and other ordinary professionals. He believes such agents' ability to obtain truly significant information remains limited.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 14:20
"Stabilitātei!" to go without state funding, will rely on membership fees
The party "Stabilitātei!" will not receive state budget funding and plans to sustain its activities through membership fees, according to party representative Svetlana Čulkova.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 13:24
Estonian circuit court denies early release to Denis Metsavas, convicted of treason
Tallinn Circuit Court upheld a ruling denying early conditional release to Denis Metsavas, who was convicted of treason. The court said serving half his sentence has not yet shown sufficient effect in preventing further crimes.
ERR (rus) · 5 Oct, 13:22
Estonia may have to repay Denmark, Netherlands €14.5 million over failed ammunition deal
Estonia's defense procurement agency failed to secure paid-for ammunition for Ukraine and may now have to refund donor countries from its own budget. The scandal has already cost the previous defense minister his job.
ERR News · 5 Oct, 13:21
CEC compiles preliminary results of 15th Saeima election
Latvia's Central Election Commission has released preliminary results from the October 3 parliamentary election, with the 'United List' coming out on top. Slightly over half of eligible voters took part.
Delfi · 5 Oct, 13:20
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Trade Union Confederation Voices Concern Over "United List" Zero-Deficit Budget Goal
LBAS chairman Egils Baldzēns has expressed concern over the political party "Apvienotais saraksts" (United List) aiming for a zero-deficit state budget, warning this could lead to cuts in state spending.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 12:25
Kaktiņš: without Kulbergs, the "Apvienotais saraksts" success may not have happened
SKDS head Arnis Kaktiņš, speaking on TV24's election night broadcast, said the strong result of the "Apvienotais saraksts" party was largely tied to its prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs, suggesting voter turnout could have been lower without him.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 12:22
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Three newly elected Latvian MPs facing criminal charges, new parliament must decide on proceedings
Three politicians facing criminal accusations have been elected to Latvia's 15th Saeima, and once their mandates are confirmed, the parliament will need to decide whether to allow the ongoing criminal proceedings against them to continue.
Apollo.lv · 5 Oct, 11:26
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Riga Zoo to Host "Animal Days" This Weekend
The Riga Zoological Garden will hold an event called "Animal Days" on October 10 and 11, announced the zoo's Customer Experience Department head Roberta Treija.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 11:24
Roslikovs not planning to return to Latvia from Belarus after election setback
After the party "Stability!" won only 1.997% of votes and failed to enter the Saeima, also losing state funding, its leader Aleksejs Roslikovs currently has no plans to return to Latvia from Belarus, the party's board chair told LETA.
LSM (rus) · 5 Oct, 11:24
Three politicians facing criminal charges elected to Latvia's 15th Saeima
Latvia's newly elected 15th Saeima includes three lawmakers facing ongoing criminal proceedings, and parliament will need to decide whether to allow those cases to continue once members' mandates are confirmed, news agency LETA has found.
BNN · 5 Oct, 11:23
After election defeat, Rosļikovs will stay in Belarus but remains in politics
Having failed to win Saeima seats, "Stabilitātei!" leader Aleksejs Rosļikovs will not currently return to Latvia from Belarus, though he intends to continue his political activity, party board chair Svetlana Čulkova said.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 11:21
NA politician warns party risks losing its ideological identity after election setback
A National Alliance politician reflects on the party's weaker-than-expected result in Latvia's 15th Saeima election, warning it could follow the Greens and Farmers Union out of parliament if it loses its conservative identity.
OgreNet · 5 Oct, 10:22
Lithuania's PM promises 10% pension boost – how do Lithuanian seniors compare to Latvia's?
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius announced plans to raise pensions by around 10% next year, averaging an increase of €75–76. In Latvia, the average old-age pension this year is about €600 a month.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Oct, 09:25
Kulbergs plans fewer ministries after election win, but puts economic growth first
Andris Kulbergs, leader of the election-winning Apvienotais saraksts, says that as prime minister he will keep pursuing a reduction in the number of ministries, though he now prioritizes boosting the economy. He rules out a coalition with Latvija pirmajā vietā.
Jauns.lv · 5 Oct, 09:24
Tērvete marks writer Anna Brigadere's 165th birthday
Students and staff of the A. Brigadere primary school, named after the writer, gathered at the Brigadere memorial museum 'Sprīdīši' in Tērvete on October 1 to mark her 165th birthday. The event featured songs, poetry readings and insights into her life and work.
Zemgales Ziņas · 5 Oct, 09:24