Dokument #1056054
Freedom House (Autor)
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
National Democratic Governance | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Electoral Process | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 |
Civil Society | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 |
Independent Media | 1.50 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Local Democratic Governance | 2.50 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 |
Judicial Framework and Independence | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 |
Corruption | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.50 | 3.25 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Democracy Score | 2.07 | 2.07 | 2.18 | 2.18 | 2.14 | 2.11 | 2.07 | 2.07 | 2.07 | 2.07 |
NOTE: The ratings reflect the consensus of Freedom House, its academic advisers, and the author(s) of this report. If consensus cannot be reached, Freedom House is responsible for the final ratings. The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 7 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author(s).
The year 2015 was characterized by contradicting trends in Latvia. While democracy further consolidated in the country, illiberal strands appeared in the domestic political discourse, and an ideological struggle over so-called traditional values became more visible. Pro-Russian politicians were especially engaged, and numerous discussions took place on conservative “family values” in schools and ethical behavior in the public domain.
Two major foreign policy developments had an outsize influence on domestic politics in 2015: the Latvian presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in the first half of the year and the European migrant and refugee crisis in the second half. The EU presidency proved challenging for the small and relatively young member state, both administratively and with regard to foreign policy, but Latvia completed the task and demonstrated to its citizens and European partners the country’s organizational and political capabilities. This period influenced Latvia’s image of itself as an equal player among the wider EU membership.
The European Commission’s plans to resettle refugees from the Middle East and Africa in EU countries prompted heated political discussions in the second half of the year. The Latvian public’s initial reaction to the plan was characterized by a lack of understanding and fears around integration. The redistribution of migrants drew opposition from many politicians, including some from the ruling Union of Greens and Farmers and National Alliance parties. Their objections shook the center-right coalition led by the Unity party. The mobilization of Latvian society, as well as municipal and national resources, in response to the crisis continued for months and is expected to increase with the arrival of additional refugees in 2016.
Domestically, the EU presidency—a six-month position held by member states on a rotating basis—largely overshadowed political processes as parties were kept on their best behavior. The June election of former minister of defense and Green Party politician Raimonds Vējonis as president of Latvia was the main domestic event in the first half of the year. The elections demonstrated a mature political process—all candidates were identified in advance and actively participated in public discussions in the media. Since the president is indirectly elected, by the parliament, this allowed for greater public participation in the process.
The second half of 2015 saw serious disagreements among the coalition partners and growing frictions inside the ruling Unity party, with competing liberal and conservative wings emerging. As a result, the board chair and parliamentary faction leader of Unity, Solvita Āboltiņa, a controversial politician in the Latvian political scene, emerged as a challenger to the prime minister’s office. Following a number of controversial developments, including the firing of Transport Minister Anrijs Matīss over his choice of a foreign investor for the national airline AirBaltic in early November and a persistent media campaign, Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma resigned on December 7. Straujuma took office in January 2014, continuing the work of Valdis Dombrovskis, who had stepped down following the 2013 supermarket roof collapse in Riga that left 54 people dead.
There were a number of political scandals in 2015. The biggest cases included an ongoing corruption investigation involving the president of the state-owned railway holding Latvijas Dzelzceļš, and an attempted fraud by the former mayor of Lielvārde, Jānis Āboliņš, who had illegally signed a bond for €200 million with a company based in Liechtenstein. The year also featured a continued struggle in the Latvian judicial system with lengthy court processes and some moves toward politicization of the country’s public media.
Although Latvia has continued using its 1922 constitution since it regained independence in 1991, the idea to amend it to introduce a popularly elected president has come up from time to time. The discussion received a boost in early 2015, when the Latvian parliament’s legal commission started working on a proposal by the conservative political party For Latvia from the Heart.
No score changes.
Outlook for 2016: The reshuffled coalition will remain in power, and once a new government is formed, 2016 is expected to be politically stable. Discussion of conservative “family values” will continue, not only as a reaction to the influx of people with different religious and cultural backgrounds but also because some political parties have chosen to seek support through increasing control over “morality.”
The migrant crisis and related political, economic, and social changes will continue dominating the domestic agenda, especially after the first refugees are settled in Latvia starting February 2016. A critical outlook on the European Union and its integration plans has emerged (as in many EU countries) and is influencing the Latvian political elite, especially the National Alliance.
Economic development is projected to be more positive than in 2014–15 due to the reorientation of exports away from sanction-ridden Russian markets and the continuous growth of income and productivity. Unemployment will continue to decrease.
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.50 |
2.50 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 | 1.75 | 1.75 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
1.50 |
1.25 |
1.50 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
1.50 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2.50 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.25 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
1.75 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
3.50 |
3.25 |
3.25 |
3.25 |
3.25 |
3.25 |
3.25 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
Author: Kārlis Bukovskis and Andris Sprūds
Kārlis Bukovskis is deputy director at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) and guest lecturer at the Riga Graduate School of Law and Riga Stradins University (RSU). Andris Sprūds is the director of LIIA and a professor at Riga Stradins University.
[1] Kristīna Putinceva, “Pēc prezidentūras ES Padomē: Piespiedu brīvprātīgais Latvijas lepnums” [After the Presidency of the Council of the EU: Mandatory Volunteered Latvian pride], Diena, 16 July 2015, http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/pec-prezidenturas-es-padome-piespiedu-brivpratigais-latvijas-lepnums-14104896
[2] Gatis Kristovskis, “Saeimas komisija atbalsta prezidenta iniciētos grozījumus likumos nacionālās drošības stiprināšanai” [Saeima supports President’s initiative on amendments to laws on strengthening of national security], LETA, 17 November 2015, http://www.leta.lv/defence_matters/defence_matters/news/8E08FA09-CB96-4F83-8616-DAF99761C07F/
[3] “Valsts prezidents Saeimā iesniedzis trīs likumprojektus, kas pilnveido tiesisko regulējumu nacionālās drošības
jautājumos” [President has submitted three bills to the Parliement on improvement of the legal framework of the national security issues], Chancelory of the President of the Republic of Latvia, 2 November 2015, http://www.president.lv/pk/content/?art_id=23541
[4] http://www.lsm.lv/en/article/societ/society/saeima-moves-forward-presidents-security-law-changes.a156713/
[5] “Saeima pieņem grozījumus likumos nacionālās drošības stiprināšanai” [Saeima apts amendments in laws to strengthen national security], Parliament of the Republic of Latvia, 25 February 2016, http://www.saeima.lv/lv/aktualitates/saeimas-zinas/24471-saeima-pienem-g...
[6] “Latvija brīvprātīgi uzņems 250 bēgļus” [Latvia will voluntarily accept 250 refugees], BNS, Tvnet, 6 July 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/566799-latvija_brivpratigi_uznems_250_beglus
[7] “Valdība atbalsta brīvprātīgu papildu 526 bēgļu uzņemšanu” [Government supports voluntary acceptance of additional 526 refugees], LETA, 17 September 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/576357-valdiba_atbalsta_brivpratigu_papildu_526_beglu_uznemsanu
[8] Ivo Leitāns, “Komisija atbalsta Saeimas tiesības lemt par bēgļu uzņemšanu” [Commission supports the rights of Saeima to decide on the acceptance of refugees], LSM.lv, 17 November 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/komisija-atbalsta-saeimas-tiesibas-lemt-par-beglu-uznemsanu.a155372/
[9] “Neoficiāli apspriestajai valdības krišanai iegansts varētu būt kāds no darbakārtībā esošajiem strīdīgajiem jautājumiem” [Unofficially discussed government fall could have a pretext of any of current contentious issues on the agenda], LETA, Tvnet, 27 November 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/585800-neoficiali_apspriestajai_valdibas_krisanai_iegansts_varetu_but_kads_no_darbakartiba_esosajiem_stridigajiem_jautajumiem
[10] “Brigmanis valdībai neprognozējot ilgu mūžu” [Brigmanis does not promise a long life for the new government], LETA, Apollo, 28 October 2014, http://apollo.tvnet.lv/zinas/brigmanis-valdibai-neprognozejot-ilgu-muzu/670496; and see last year’s report.
[11] Žanete Hāka, “Straujuma: Matīss valdībai piedāvāja priekšlikumu, kuru pirms tam pats kritizēja” [Straujuma: Matīss offered to government a proposal that he himself earlier criticized], Leta, Dienas Bizness, 4 November 2015, http://www.db.lv/citas-zinas/papildinata-straujuma-matiss-valdibai-piedavaja-priekslikumu-kuru-pirms-tam-pats-kritizeja-440682
[12] Madara Līcīte, “Straujuma: Pret mani pēdējās nedēļās izvērsta milzīga kampaņa”, [Straujuma: Within the last weeks there has been a huge campaign against me], Panorāma, LSM.lv, 3 December 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/straujuma-pret-mani-pedejas-nedelas-izversta-milziga-kampana.a157877/
[13] “Iekšzemes kopprodukts 2015. gadā un 4. ceturksnī palielinājies par 2,7 %” [GDP in 2015 and in the 4th quarter has increased by 2.7%], Central Statistical Bureau of the Republic of Latvia, 29 February 2016, http://www.csb.gov.lv/notikumi/iekszemes-kopprodukts-2015-gada-un-4-ceturksni-palielinajies-par-27-42193.html
[14] “Latvijas Stabilitātes programma 2015.-2018.gadam’ [ Stability program for Latvia 2015-2018], Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, 2015, http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/csr2015/sp2015_latvia_lv.pdf
[15] “Bezdarba līmenis Latvijā novembra beigās - 8,4%” [Unemployment level in Latvia at the end of November is 8.4%], BNS, Financenet, 30 November 2015, http://financenet.tvnet.lv/zinas/586126-bezdarba_limenis_latvija_novembra_beigas_84
[16] Uldis Bušs, “Uz Latvijas obligāciju emisiju atskatoties” [Looking back at the Latvian bond emission], Delfi.lv, 26 October 2015, http://www.delfi.lv/news/comment/comment/uldis-buss-uz-latvijas-obligaciju-emisiju-atskatoties.d?id=46631803
[17] “Saeima Valsts prezidenta amatā ievēl Raimondu Vējoni” [Saeima elects Raimonds Vējonis for the President of Latvia], Press Service of the parliament of the Republic of Latvia, 3 June 2015, http://www.saeima.lv/lv/aktualitates/saeimas-zinas/23550-saeima-valsts-prezidenta-amata-ievel-raimondu-vejoni
[18] In March 2015 President Bērziņš was positively or mostly positively evaluated by 45.3% of population, while negatively or mostly negative responses were given by 45.4%. “Bērziņa reitings prezidentūras gados bijis stabils visu laiku bez lielām izmaiņām” [Bērziņš’ ratings during the presidency have been stable all the time and without significant changes], BNS, Tvnet, 10 April 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/555354-berzina_reitings_prezidenturas_gados_bijis_stabils_visu_laiku_bez_lielam_izmainam
[19] “CVK ļauj biedrībai “Varu Latvijas tautai” vākt parakstus tautas nobalsošanas ierosināšanai par Saeimas atsaukšanu” [Central Election Commission allows “Power to Latvian people” gather signatures on introduction of a referendum for impeachment of the Parliament], Latvijas Avīze, 13 November 2015, http://www.la.lv/cvk-lauj-biedribai-varu-latvijas-tautai-vakt-parakstus-tautas-nobalsosanas-ierosinasanai-par-saeimas-atsauksanu
[20] “Aptauja: Saeimai uzticas 18% iedzīvotāju - zemākais rādītājs šī sasaukuma laikā” [Poll: 18% of population trusts Saeima – lowest result for this term], Leta, diena, 4 November 2015, http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/aptauja-saeimai-uzticas-18-proc-iedzivotaju-zemakais-raditajs-si-sasaukuma-laika-14117853
[21] “Jau septīto reizi par CVK vadītāju kļūst Cimdars” [For the seventh time Cimdars becomes the head of Central Election Commission of Latvia], LSM.lv, 12 March 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/jau-septito-reizi-par-cvk-vaditaju-klust-cimdars.a121243/
[22] “Ievēl Centrālās vēlēšanu komisijas priekšsēdētāja vietnieku un sekretāru” [Deputy Char and Secretary of Central Election Commission of Latvia are elected], Information Unit of the Central Election Commission of Latvia, 12 March 2015, https://www.cvk.lv/pub/public/31114.html
[23] “Portālā Latvija.lv pieejams jauns e-pakalpojums "Parakstīšanās par vēlētāju iniciatīvām"” [New e-service on “Signing for voters’ initiatives” available in portal Latvija.lv], Communication Unit of the State Regional Development Agency, 19 February 2015, https://www.cvk.lv/pub/public/31165.html
[24] “Plāno veidot progresīvu nodokļu sistēmu” [Plans for profgressive tax system are emerging], Leta, Dienas Bizness, 3 December 2015, http://www.db.lv/finanses/plano-veidot-progresivu-nodoklu-sistemu-442207
[25] “Valsts kancelejas mobilā aplikāciju „Futbols” - starp 40 labākajām pasaulē!”[ Mobile app by the State Chancellery “Soccer” is among the 40 best apps in the world], State Chancellery, 29 October 2014, http://www.juristavards.lv/zinas/265512-valsts-kancelejas-mobila-aplikaciju-futbols-starp-40-labakajam-pasaule/
[26] “Par diskusiju dokumentiem” [On Discussion Documents], Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, 22 October 2015, http://www.mk.gov.lv/content/par-diskusiju-dokumentiem; “Diskusiju dokuments. Infografiks” [Discussion Document. Infogram], Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, 22 October 2015, http://www.mk.gov.lv/sites/default/files/komunikacijas_files/infografiks_final3.pdf
[27] “Piedalies ES publiskajās konsultācijās!” [Participate in EU’s Public Consultations], Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia, 18 February 2016, https://www.em.gov.lv/lv/eiropas_savieniba/piedalies_es_publiskajas_konsultacijas_/
[28] “Ministru kabineta diskusiju dokumenti” [Discussion documents of the Cabinet of Ministers], Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, 2 March 2016, http://www.mk.gov.lv/content/ministru-kabineta-diskusiju-dokumenti
[29] “Nevalstisko organizāciju un Ministru kabineta sadarbības memoranda īstenošanas padomes nolikums” [Regulation of Council of Implementation of the Cooperation Memorandum between non-governmental organizations and the Cabinet of Ministers], Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, adopted 7 January 2014, http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=263733
[30] Interview with Andris Gobiņš, Chairman of the European Movement – Latvia, 12 November 2015, Riga.
[31] “Nodokļu atvieglojumi” [Tax relief], State Revenue Service of the Republic of Latvia, 10 June 2010, https://www.vid.gov.lv/default.aspx?tabid=11&id=4681&hl=1
[32] See here for more on “Establishment of a State financed NGO Fund”, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, 24 September 2014, http://nvo.lv/site/attachments/29/09/2014/KM_prezentacija_NVOfonds.pdf
[33] “NVO Fonda ieviešanas progress” [NGO Fund implementation progress], Civic Alliance - Latvia, 8 January 2016, http://nvo.lv/lv/news/publication/nvo-fonda-ieviesanas-progress-6879/
[34] “Hundreds of Latvians march against refugee quotas,” Yahoo News, 22 September 2015, https://www.yahoo.com/news/hundreds-latvians-march-against-refugee-quotas-190923090.html?ref=gs
[35] Lauma Lapsa, “Skolās tomēr ieviesīs tikumīgu audzināšanu” [Scholls will introduce moral education altogether], Vesti.lv, 18 June 2015, http://bb.vesti.lv/news/skolas-tomer-ieviesis-tikumigu-audzinasanu?1434
[36] Inga Sprinģe, “Putina bērni” [Putin’s Children], Re:baltica, Tvnet, 4 December 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/viedokli/586718-putina_berni
[37] “NEPLP soda PBK par pārkāpumiem ziņu raidījumos” [NEMMC penalizes PBK for violations in news programs], National Electronic Mass Media Council of Latvia, 22 October 2015, http://neplpadome.lv/lv/sakums/padome/padomes-sedes/sedes-sadalas/neplp-soda-pbk-par-parkapumiem-zinu-raidijumos.html
[38] “Mediju uzraugs atkal soda Latvijas Radio par rupjībām Pieci.lv ēterā” [Media overseer again fines Latvian Radio for on-air profanity at Pieci.lv], LSM.lv, 27 August 2015, https://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/mediju-uzraugs-atkal-soda-latvijas-radio-par-rupjibam-pieci.lv-etera.a143195/
[39] “Saeima ir lēmusi – Dimants tiek atlaists no NEPLP valdes” [Saeima has made a decision – Dimants is fired from NEMMC Board], skaties.lv, 8 July 2015, http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/saeima-ir-lemusi-dimants-tiek-atlaists-no-neplp-valdes/
[40] Edgars Kupčs, “Par NEPLP atlaišanu Saeimas komisija lems jūlija sākumā; KM neredz atlaišanas iemeslus” [On dismissal of NEMMC Saeima commission will decide in early July; KM sees no reasons for dismissal], LSM.lv, 18 June 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/par-neplp-atlaisanu-saeimas-komisija-lems-julija-sakuma-km-neredz-atlaisanas-iemeslus.a134488/
[41] Anete Bērtule, “Saeima no NEPLP atlaiž tikai Dimantu, kurš gatavs vērsties Satversmes tiesā” [Only Dimants fired from NEMMC Board by Saeima; He plans to turn to the Consitutional Court], Panorāma, LSM.lv, 8 July 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/saeima-no-neplp-atlaiz-tikai-dimantu-kurs-gatavs-versties-satversmes-tiesa.a136805/
[42] “Valsts kontrole lūdz NEPLP šefam valstij atmaksāt taksometros nobraukātus 304 eiro” [The State Audit demands NEMMC boss to repay to the state 304 euro for use of taxi], Focus.lv, 22 May 2014, http://www.diena.lv/sodien-laikraksta/ed-vizinas-un-nekontrole-14056541
[43] “Krūmiņa un Šadurskis kritizē NEPLP vadītāju Dimantu par finanšu līdzekļu izlietojumu” [Krūmiņa and Šadurskis criticize head of NEMMC Dimants on the application of funds], BNS, Tvnet, 2 July 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/566406-krumina_un_sadurskis_kritize_neplp_vaditaju_dimantu_par_finansu_lidzeklu_izlietojumu
[44] “Bez virzības atstāta Saeimas apelācijas sūdzība Dimanta lietā” [No action left in the parliamentary appeal Dimants’ Case], Leta, Tvnet.lv, 6 February 2016, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/594984-bez_virzibas_atstata_saeimas_apelacijas_sudziba_dimanta_lieta
[45] “NEPLP pieņem lēmumu LTV veidot trešo programmu krievu valodā” [NEMMC makes a decision on introduction of a third state TV channel in Russian], Lauku Dzīve, 19 March 2015, http://www.laukudzive.lv/neplp-pienem-lemumu-ltv-veidot-treso-programmu-krievu-valoda/
[46] Ainārs Dimants, “LTV kanāls krieviski – stratēģiskās komunikācijas, ne valodas politikas jautājums” [Dimants: LTV channel in Russian – a matter of strategic communication, not language policy], Diena, 3 February 2015, http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/dimants-ltv-kanals-krieviski-strategiskas-komunikacijas-ne-valodas-politikas-jautajums-14128525
[47] “Kaimiņš rosina aicināt LTV skaidrot Girsa atspoguļošanu raidījumā” [Kaimiņš encourages LTVs to explain invitation of Girss to a TV show], Leta, Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze, 21 October 2015, http://nra.lv/latvija/153461-kaimins-rosina-aicinat-ltv-skaidrot-girsa-atspogulosanu-raidijuma.htm
[48] “Girss LTV7 raidījumā par provokācijām esot “labi iederējies”’ [Girss has fitted well into the show on provocations], Latvijas Avīze, 22 October 2015, http://www.la.lv/girss-esot-labi-iederejies-provokacijas/
[49] “Kaimiņš dusmīgs par naudas piešķiršanu «RE:TV» raidījumiem par politiku un ekonomiku” [Kaimiņš angry regarding the allocation of money to “RE: TV” for broadcasts about politics and the economy], BNS, Financenet, 30 November 2015, http://financenet.tvnet.lv/zinas/586214-kaimins_dusmigs_par_naudas_pieskirsanu_retv_raidijumiem_par_politiku_un_ekonomiku
[50] “Pelnošākais mediju uzņēmums Baltijā pērn - TV3 Latvia” [Most profitable media business in Baltics previous year – TV3 Latvia], Re:baltica, 23 November 2015, http://www.rebaltica.lv/lv/petijumi/baltijas_mediji_pec_krizes/a/1283/pelnosakais_mediju_uznemums_baltija_pern_-_tv3_latvia.html
[51] “LR1 "Brīvā mikrofona" mutīgāko zvanītāju Aivaru grasās saukt pie kriminālatbildības” [Most loudmouth “Free Microphone” caller on Latvian Radio 1 will be criminally prosecuted], kasjauns.lv, 23 October 2015, http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/207056/latvijas-radio-briva-mikrofona-mutigako-zvanitaju-aivaru-grasas-saukt-pie-kriminalatbildibas
[52] “Latvijas nelegālo imigrantu nometnēs jau tagad pietrūkst vietu” [Already now illegal refugee camps in Latvia are out of free places], Leta, Tvnet, 13 May 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/559687-latvijas_nelegalo_imigrantu_nometnes_jau_tagad_pietrukst_vietu
[53] “Vairākas pašvaldības nevēlas uzņemt bēgļus” [Several municipalities do not want to accomodate refugees], Leta, Neatkarīg’rīta Avīze, 15 September 2015, http://nra.lv/latvija/150483-vairakas-pasvaldibas-nevelas-uznemt-beglus.htm
[54] “Zināms, kad Rīgā sāks strādāt bēgļu koordinācijas centrs un ieradīsies pirmie bēgļi” [Established when refugee coordination centre in Riga will be come operational and the first refugees will arrive], BNS, focus.lv, 8 October 2015, http://www.focus.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/zinams-kad-riga-saks-stradat-beglu-koordinacijas-centrs-un-ieradisies-pirmie-begli
[55] State Audit Office of Latvia, “Pašvaldībās ‘klibo’ grāmatvedība un nav iekšējās kontroles” [Municipalities’ accounts “lame” and there is no internal control], 2 October 2014, http://www.lrvk.gov.lv/pasvaldibas-klibo-gramatvediba-un-nav-ieksejas-kontroles/
[56] “Ogres mērs: komandējumi ierēdņiem ir kā atvaļinājumi” [Mayor of Ogre: Business trips are like vacations for officials], LTV/Tvnet.lv, 11 October 2014, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/482264-ogres_mers_komandejumi_ieredniem_ir_ka_atvalinajumi.
[57] “Finanšu ministrs Jānis Reirs vēršas tiesībsargājošās iestādēs par bijušā Lielvārdes mēra rīcību” [Finance Minister Jānis Reirs turns to law enforcement authorities regarding actions of the former mayor of Lielvarde], Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, 2 December 2015, http://www.fm.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/jaunumi/ministrs/51667-finansu-ministrs-janis-reirs-versas-tiesibsargajosas-iestades-par-bijusa-lielvardes-mera-ricibu
[58] “Lielvārdes mēra "sarūpētie" 200 miljoni, visticamāk, bijuši fiktīvi - shēma tik neticama, ka ož pēc afēras” [Lielvarde mayor “organized" 200 million are likely to have been bogus - scheme so incredible that seems like an affair], Leta, kasjauns.lv, 6 December 2015, http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/210291/lielvardes-mera-sarupetie-200-miljoni-visticamak-bijusi-fiktivi---shema-tik-neticama-ka-oz-pec-aferas; interesting fact: the money that the Treasury has lent to all Latvian municipalities in the first 11 months of 2015 is only 170 million euro.
[59] “Pašvaldību finanšu izlīdzināšanas fonda iemaksas 16 pašvaldībām, dotācijas-92” [Sixteen will pay into the municipality equalization fund, 92 will be subsidized], Financenet, 17 October 2013, http://financenet.tvnet.lv/zinas/482931-pasvaldibu_finansu_izlidzinasanas_fonda_iemaksas_16_pasvaldibam_dotacijas_92; and Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, “Pašvaldību budžets 2015.gadā” [Municipalities’ budgets in 2015], 16 December 2014, http://www.lps.lv/images/resources/file/Maija%20M%C4%81jaslapai/PrezentacijaKomiteja1612.pdf; “Pašvaldību finanšu izlīdzināšana (PFI) 2016.gadā - vērtētie un izlīdzinātie ieņēmi” [Balancing of Municipal Finances in 2016], Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, 1 December 2015, http://www.fm.gov.lv/files/pasvaldibas/2016/PFI_2016_rezultati_01122015.pdf
[60] “Iesniegta jauna Administratīvi teritoriālās reformas koncepcija” [A new administrative and territorial reform concept has been presented], Leta, Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze, 25 September 2015, http://nra.lv/latvija/151339-iesniegta-jauna-administrativi-teritorialas-reformas-koncepcija.htm
[61] Vita Anstrate, “Jaunā novadu reforma: Deputāti sliecas atbalstīt 29 sadarbības teritoriju izveidi” [The new county reform: members of parliament inclined to support the establishment of 29 cooperation areas], LSM.lv, 6 October 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/jauna-novadu-reforma-deputati-sliecas-atbalstit-29-sadarbibas-teritoriju-izveidi.a148854/
[62] Mudīte Luksa, “Izmaiņas tieslietu jomā no 2015.gada 1.janvāra” [Changes in the judicial system from 1 January 2015], Latvijas Vēstnesis, 5 January 2015, http://www.lvportals.lv/visi/skaidrojumi/267659-izmainas-tieslietu-joma-no-2015gada-1janvara/
[63] Elīna Pankovska, “Tiesu nozarē grib straujākas izmaiņas” [Want faster changes in judicial sector], Dienas Bizness, 25 August 2015, http://www.db.lv/citas-zinas/tiesu-nozare-grib-straujakas-izmainas-437004
[64] “Country Report Latvia 2015. Commission Staff Working Document”, European Commission, 26 February 2015, http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/csr2015/cr2015_latvia_en.pdf
[65] “Latvia. Press country profile”, European Court of Human Rights, January 2016, http://www.echr.coe.int/Documents/CP_Latvia_ENG.pdf
[66] ‘The 2015 EU Justice Scoreboard”, European Commission - Directorate-General for Justice, 2015, http://ec.europa.eu/justice/effective-justice/files/justice_scoreboard_2015_en.pdf
[67] “Grozījumi likumā "Par tiesu varu"” [Amendments to the Law on Judiciary Authority], The Parliam,ent fo the Republic of Latvia, 27 June 2015, https://www.vestnesis.lv/ta/id/274900-grozijumi-likuma-par-tiesu-varu-
[68] Ivars Bičkovičs, “Tieslietu padomes priekšsēdētāja Ivara Bičkoviča ziņojums Latvijas Tiesnešu konferencē 2015.gada 13.novembrī” [Report of Ivars Bickovičs, Chairman of the Council of Justice, at the Latvian Judicial Conference on November 13, 2015], pietiek.com, 13 November 2015, http://www.pietiek.com/raksti/tieslietu_padomes_priekssedetaja_ivara_bickovica_zinojums_latvijas_tiesnesu_konference_2015gada_13novembri
[69] “Tiesas spriedums 'digitālgeitā': Liepniekam, Ēķim un Rubenim naudassodi; Krongornam, Kokinam un Lozem – cietums” [Court ruling in “Digitalgate”: Liepnieks, Ēķis and Rubenis – financial penalties, Krongorns, Kokins and Loze – prison term], Leta, delfi.lv, 15 May 2015, http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/tiesas-spriedums-digitalgeita-liepniekam-ekim-un-rubenim-naudassodi-krongornam-kokinam-un-lozem-cietums.d?id=45970031
[70] Zane Mače, “Digitālgeita: lietas vēsture un tiesa” [Digitalgate: history and cort proceedings in the case], IR.lv, 22 June 2015, http://www.irlv.lv/2015/6/22/digitalgeita-vesture-un-taisnigums
[71] “Zolitūdes traģēdijas lietā uzrādītas galīgās apsūdzības” [Final indictments presented in the Zolitūde tragedy case], IR.lv, 22 September 2015, http://www.irlv.lv/2015/9/22/zolitudes-tragedijas-lieta-uzraditas-galigas-apsudzibas
[72] “Jaunā cietuma izmaksas samazinās” {Costs of the new prison are reduced], Kurzemes Vārds, 27 October 2015, http://www.liepajniekiem.lv/zinas/sabiedriba/jauna-cietuma-izmaksas-samazinas-175537
[73] Gunita Gailāne, “Imantas pedofila meklējumos aizvadīts gads; policija maina taktiku” [It’s been a year in search for Imanta pedophile; police changes tactics], Delfi.lv, 14 March 2015, http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/criminal/imantas-pedofila-meklejumos-aizvadits-gads-policija-maina-taktiku.d?id=45691324
[74] “Liepājas pedofilu skandāls” [Liepāja pedophile scandal], Delfi.lv, 8 October 2015, http://www.delfi.lv/temas/liepajas-pedofilu-skandals/
[75] “Pedofiliem tiks piespriesti bargāki sodi” [Harsher penalties for pedophiles], BNS, apollo.lv, 12 November 2015, http://apollo.tvnet.lv/zinas/pedofiliem-tiks-piespriesti-bargaki-sodi/711299
[76] “KNAB pametīs Streļčenoka kritiķis un oligarhu izmeklētājs” [Streļčenoks critic and oligarch investigator will leave KNAB], Leta, Diena, 4 March 2015, http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/papildinats-17-51-knab-pametis-strelcenoka-kritikis-un-oligarhu-izmekletajs-14089884
[77] Artjoms Konohovs, Odita Krenberga, “Sūtīs palīgus Ukrainai cīņā ar korupciju; iespējams, Strīķi vai Streļčenoku” [Will send help in fighting corruption to Ukraine; possibly Strīķe or Streļčenoks], LSM.lv, 28 April 2015, http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/sutis-paligus-ukrainai-cina-ar-korupciju-iespejams-striki-vai-strelcenoku.a127350/
[78] “Strīķe: Streļčenoks KNAB faktiski ir iznīcinājis” [Strīķe: Streļčenoks has de facto destroyed KNAB], Leta, Tvnet.lv, 23 february 2016, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/viedokli/597420-strike_strelcenoks_knab_faktiski_ir_iznicinajis
[79] “Phase 2 Report On Implementing The OECD Anti-Bribery Convention In Latvia”, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, October 2015, http://www.oecd.org/daf/anti-bribery/Latvia-Phase-2-Report-ENG.pdf
[80] “Eiropas Komisija satraukta par konfliktu KNAB” [European Commission worried regarding the conflict in KNAB], Leta, Delfi.lv, 25 February 2016, http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eiropas-komisija-satraukta-par-konfliktu-knab.d?id=47110589
[81] “Loskutovs pieļauj, ka KNAB darbinieki apzināti strādā minimālā režīmā” [Loskutovs concedes that KNAB employees are consciously working in a minimum mode], Leta, Tvnet.lv, 25 February 2016, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/viedokli/597700-loskutovs_pielauj_ka_knab_darbinieki_apzinati_strada_minimala_rezima
[82] “No spēka struktūrām iedzīvotāji vismazāk uzticas KNAB” [Out of all power structures people trust KNAB the least], Leta, Apollo.lv, 4 January 2016, http://apollo.tvnet.lv/zinas/no-speka-strukturam-iedzivotaji-vismazak-uzticas-knab/716583
[83] “Streļčenoks pieļauj iespēju kandidēt uz vēl vienu termiņu KNAB vadītāja amatā” [Streļčenoks plans on running for another term as head of KNAB], Leta, Tvnet.lv, 1 November 2015, http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/viedokli/582279-strelcenoks_pielauj_iespeju_kandidet_uz_vel_vienu_terminu_knab_vaditaja_amata
[84] Uldis Dreiblats, Ritums Rozenbergs, “Magoņa lietu izstrādājuši igauņu drošībnieki” [Case of Magonis has been developed by Estonian security services], Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze, 11 September 2015, http://nra.lv/latvija/150153-magona-lietu-izstradajusi-igaunu-drosibnieki.htm
[85] “KNAB atkal prasa Saeimas atļauju sodīt Belēviču” [KNAB asks the Parliament a permission to punish Belēvičs again], 12 February 2015, http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/knab-atkal-prasa-saeimas-atlauju-sodit-belevicu-14129803
[86] “Attieksme pret korupciju Latvijā” [Attitude against corruption in Latvia], Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, April 2014, http://www.knab.gov.lv/uploads/free/knab_lf_aptauja2014.pdf
[87] “Ceipe: Jābūt aklam, lai pateiktu, ka cīņa ar korupciju ir beigusies” [Ceipe: One must be blind to say that fight with corruption in Latvia has ended], Delfi.lv, 9 November 2015, http://www.delfi.lv/news/stop-kontrabanda/ceipe-jabut-aklam-lai-pateiktu-ka-cina-ar-korupciju-ir-beigusies.d?id=46686915
[88] “Agrāk sodītu vīrieti tiesās par 20 eiro kukuļa došanu policistam” [Previously convicted man will be tried for 20 euro bribe to a policeman], Delfi.lv, 29 October 2015, http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/criminal/agrak-soditu-virieti-tiesas-par-20-eiro-kukula-dosanu-policistam.d?id=46650197
Nations in Transit 2016 - Latvia (Periodischer Bericht, Englisch)