News

RIGA, Jan 1 (LETA) - In a televised address shortly before midnight, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis asked each inhabitant of Latvia to evaluate their attitude and responsibility toward the nation, at the same time believing that "Latvia can!".

"We know full well that there are more challenges up ahead. The new year will require much patience not only for the government but each individual. This is no time to battle one another, this is a time for unified effort, knowing where we are headed and what kind of Latvia we are building. 2011 will then be a step toward a stronger and self-assured Latvia."

RIGA, Nov 30 (LETA) - The minimum wage for a 40-hour week will be increased to LVL 200 (before tax), whilst the minimum hourly wage will be LVL 1.189 per hour, the government confirmed today.

The changes in the salary system will come into force from next year.

The current minimum wage in Latvia is set at LVL 180 (before tax).

In August 2010, 182,600 employed persons in Latvia received minimum wage.

RIGA, Nov 19 (LETA) - The Cabinet of Ministers decided today that standard value added tax rate would be increased to 22 percent, whereas property tax rate for apartments and private homes would be doubled.

Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (New Era) said after the government meeting that the reduced VAT rate would also be increased, from 10 percent to 12 percent, whereas reduced VAT rate on electricity would be lifted altogether.

RIGA, Nov 11 (LETA) - At a meeting today with the Danish Ambassador Per Carlsen today, Saeima Speaker Solvita Aboltina said that she is convinced that relations must be tighter not just bilaterally, but also in the context of all three Baltic States/five Nordic countries.

RIGA, Nov 2 (LETA) - Today at 10 a.m - the first plenary meeting for the newly-elected Saeima will be held.

Registration for the new MPs will be open in the foyer as of 9 a.m. (Jekaba St. 11).

The plenary will be opened by 9th Saeima Speaker Gundars Daudze, and he will continue to chair the meeting until the new speaker is elected. Other members of the Presidium will also be voted in.