On 20 March, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with representatives of Latvian local authorities and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments at the Riga Castle. During the meeting, the President discussed current issues affecting municipalities, as well as changes to the local government financial equalisation fund, and matters related to civil protection, business development, and the network of schools and hospitals.
The President emphasised three key priorities to be addressed jointly in the coming years. First, strengthening national security and defence, including preparedness for both military threats and civil protection challenges. Second, demographic issues, closely linked to the organisation of the school network, access to healthcare, and housing availability. Third, economic development and the country’s competitiveness, in which a significant role play the approach to municipal financing, tax policy, and other areas requiring close cooperation and constructive dialogue between local authorities and the government.
