Latvia & nearby (97)

A week before elections, the key question is whether Šlesers could return to government

Ahead of Latvia's parliamentary elections, ruling parties hope to continue governing as a four-party coalition, but polls suggest they may fall short of a majority without opposition support. This raises the question of whether Ainārs Šlesers could return to power.

Žurnāls Ir · 1 Oct, 02:26

TV debate clash: JKP candidate questions 'Stabilitātei!' over renewed ties with Russia

During a pre-election TV24 debate, JKP's Jānis Citskovskis pressed 'Stabilitātei!' representative Svetlana Čulkova on her party's plan to restore economic cooperation with Russia and Belarus, but the exchange turned into personal accusations instead of a substantive answer.

Latvijas Avīze · 1 Oct, 02:24

"Zemgale/LBTU" claim convincing 7:0 win over "Rīgas HS/Dinaburga"

Jelgava's hockey team crushed "Rīgas HS/Dinaburga" 7:0 at home in the Optibet Hockey League, with Patriks Zabusovs and Aleksandrs Novikovs each scoring twice, while goalkeeper Aksels Ozols recorded his first shutout of the season.

Zemgales Ziņas · 1 Oct, 01:25

Nine practical steps to help women beat chronic fatigue

Persistent fatigue in women is often caused by a mix of physical and mental factors, but experts say small daily habits can help restore energy. Recommendations range from blood tests to short daily rest breaks.

Staburags · 1 Oct, 01:23

Expensive tractor not owned by his firm spotted at ex-minister Krauze's farm

A new tractor worth over 100,000 euros, not owned by his company, has been found at former Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze's farm in Inciems. Journal Ir is investigating a possible link to the timber industry support scandal.

Žurnāls Ir · 1 Oct, 00:25

Jelgava highlights value of cremation services without intermediaries

Cremation now accounts for roughly 30–35% of all funerals in Latvia, and industry representatives note that handling the process without a chain of subcontractors reduces the risk of errors. In Jelgava, such a service is offered by funeral company "ATVADAS".

Zemgales Ziņas · 1 Oct, 00:24

Making cabbage rolls: two tricks for preparing the leaves without the hassle

TVNET addresses a common kitchen problem – preparing cabbage leaves for stuffed rolls, a step many find too time-consuming and fiddly – and offers two tested shortcuts.

TVNET · 1 Oct, 00:24

Latvia's president says nuclear weapons could be deployed in the country if NATO decides

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said the country's laws would not prevent NATO from stationing nuclear weapons in Latvia, though no such talks are currently taking place.

Meduza · 30 Sept, 22:26

TVNET's "Pulss" Programme Holds Pre-Election Debate Ahead of 15th Saeima Vote

Three political representatives debated national security, foreign policy, the economy and healthcare on TVNET's "Pulss" programme ahead of Latvia's 15th Saeima elections.

Apollo.lv · 30 Sept, 22:25

Thursday forecast for Estonia: fog and up to 18C

Estonian meteorologists forecast variable cloudiness without precipitation for Thursday, with fog in places in the morning and afternoon temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees Celsius.

ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 22:24

Estonian foreign minister: Putin exploits Western fear of escalation

Estonia's foreign minister Margus Tsahkna told Latvian Television that Russia is trying to exploit Western fear of escalation, while Baltic states have become immune to it. He also warned of possible more serious provocations against NATO.

Jauns.lv · 30 Sept, 22:20

Over 87,000 voters have already cast ballots ahead of Saeima elections

At least 5.59% of all eligible voters have cast their ballots in the first three days of early voting for the 15th Saeima, according to Latvia's Central Election Commission. Turnout so far is highest in Vidzeme and lowest in Latgale.

Latvijas Avīze · 30 Sept, 21:23

TV show to discuss how pre-election debates are unfolding ahead of 15th Saeima elections

A broadcast airing on September 30 brings together seven representatives from different sectors to discuss how pre-election debates and discussions for the 15th Saeima elections are being conducted.

LSM · 30 Sept, 21:20

Court postpones criminal case against former ABLV Bank officials

A Riga court has postponed the hearing of a criminal case against former officials of the now-liquidating ABLV Bank, who are suspected of tax evasion. The proceedings will resume on October 14.

TVNET · 30 Sept, 20:24

Polls show sharp drop in support for Latvia's Greens and Farmers Union

The latest political party ratings reveal an unexpected slump in support for the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), pushing it toward the 5% threshold required to enter parliament. If the trend continues, ZZS could miss out on Saeima seats for the first time in 24 years.

Apollo.lv · 30 Sept, 20:23

Tartu ambulance chief warns of medic shortage in crisis scenarios

The head of Tartu's ambulance service warns that a Social Affairs Ministry plan to cut crew sizes threatens Estonia's readiness for crisis situations. The Defence Forces say a three-person crew is the minimum needed for serious cases.

ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 20:20

Committee backs plan to let people pay in for social insurance coverage of 1991-1995 child care period

A Saeima committee has conceptually backed amendments allowing certain people to voluntarily pay social insurance contributions for time spent raising a child between 1991 and 1995, so that period counts toward their insurance record.

TVNET · 30 Sept, 19:25

Estonian court hands drug dealer Kiur Pohlak over 11 years in prison

Viru County Court ruled on September 30 in a case involving large-scale drug trafficking, theft and illegal weapons handling, sentencing Kiur Pohlak to nine years, which combined with a prior sentence totals more than 11 years behind bars.

ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 19:22

Latvian care home's video about residents' former professions moves thousands online

The Tukums social care center 'Rauda' published a Facebook video showing residents revealing their former professions. The post has drawn widespread emotional response online.

Latvijas Avīze · 30 Sept, 19:21

Nearly 400-year-old protected forest felled near Rucava, Forest Service explains permits

A forest stand near Rucava containing a pine at least 377 years old and other trees of similar age has been felled; Latvia's State Forest Service says it issued cutting permits earlier this year because the area then had no protective status.

Jauns.lv · 30 Sept, 19:21

Daugavpils and Rēzekne expand network of pedestrian and cycling paths

New pedestrian and cycling paths are being built around Daugavpils and Rēzekne, connecting the cities to nearby villages. Some sections required resurfacing after defects were found.

LSM · 30 Sept, 19:20

Estonia: October 1 deadline for land tax and income tax payments

Estonia's Tax and Customs Board reminds taxpayers that October 1 is the deadline to pay the second installment of land tax and any additional income tax owed based on 2025 tax returns. Combined payments exceed 130 million euros.

ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 18:26

TVNET debate tackles alcohol tests for politicians, rushed education reform and Russian grain transit

A TVNET debate program raised three current political issues — whether politicians should undergo alcohol testing, why an education reform is being rushed through, and how decisive lawmakers will be on halting Russian grain transit.

Apollo.lv · 30 Sept, 18:26

Latvian lawmakers call healthcare funding situation "hopeless"

At a joint Saeima committee meeting on Wednesday, lawmakers discussed the healthcare budget and concluded the funding situation is hopeless, warning that money for reimbursable medicines could run out by year's end.

LSM (rus) · 30 Sept, 18:23

LSM's 'Party Sorter' tool used over 100,000 times

A tool created by Latvia's public broadcaster LSM.lv, the 'Party Sorter,' has been used more than 100,000 times, though this figure does not represent unique users.

LSM · 30 Sept, 18:20

Rinkēvičs: Latvia currently safe, but sabotage not ruled out

President Edgars Rinkēvičs told the Association of Latvian Large Cities that Latvia is currently safe, though acts of sabotage cannot be fully excluded. The meeting also touched on a new municipal finance equalization model.

Jauns.lv · 30 Sept, 18:20

Tartu Folk festival to take place November 12–15

The 11th international Tartu Folk festival will bring together folklore communities from Estonia, the Baltics and the Nordic countries in Tartu from November 12–15. Latvia will be represented by the folklore group Skandinieki.

ERR News · 30 Sept, 17:27

Lithuania moves to bar Russian and Belarusian war-supporters from public activity

Lithuania's government has backed amendments that would ban Russian and Belarusian citizens who support the war against Ukraine from entering the country to engage in public activities. The bill still needs parliamentary approval.

Delfi · 30 Sept, 17:27

Riga council official explains what to do at polling stations during an air threat alert

The head of Riga City Council's Civil Protection Department, Pēteris Grūbe, explained on TV24 how voters should act at polling stations if an air threat alert is declared. He noted that educational institutions, which host most polling stations, already have emergency response plans in place.

Latvijas Avīze · 30 Sept, 16:26

Kaljulaid MEP: logical to let 16-year-olds vote in both EP and Riigikogu elections

Estonia's Riigikogu constitutional committee has advanced a bill that would let 16-year-olds vote in European Parliament elections. MEP Marina Kaljurand supports the idea.

ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 16:21

Warm weather to linger into October, temperatures up to +21°C expected

On Thursday, October 1, air temperatures in Latvia will rise to +16..+21°C, with the warmest conditions in Kurzeme. No significant precipitation is expected, though fog is likely in some areas overnight and in the morning.

Valmieras Ziņas · 30 Sept, 16:20

Latvia may see up to 10% rise in regional public transport fares in 2027

Latvia's Public Transport Council has backed regular fare reviews, allowing for a fare increase of up to 10% in 2027. The Transport Ministry is also proposing other measures to cover rising costs without extra state budget funding.

Zemgales Ziņas · 30 Sept, 16:20

Labour Inspectorate: Lack of door safety sensors caused fatal accident at Riga hospital

Latvia's State Labour Inspectorate has concluded that a fatal accident at Riga East Clinical University Hospital, in which an employee was crushed by automatic doors, was caused by a failure to take occupational safety measures. The case materials will be forwarded to police for a criminal investigation.

Delfi · 30 Sept, 15:24

October to start with warm weather in Latvia

Meteorologists forecast that on the first day of October, air temperatures in Latvia will rise to +16..+21 degrees, with the warmest weather expected in Kurzeme.

Apollo.lv · 30 Sept, 15:20