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What's happening in Europe?
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Latvia
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Friday, October 30, 2026
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Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is attempting to form a government while shedding staff following accusations that an advisor lobbied for 'golden visas' residency permits. The swift dismissal without concrete evidence has prompted some critics to question the leader's character. Simultaneously, a separate scandal involving the citizenship of Divja Višvanata, granted by parliament in a single session, has triggered legal investigations within the Academy of Sciences.
The head of the Financial Intelligence Service, Toms Platacis, has announced his departure. He leaves claiming that the country is now an international model for combating money laundering, representing a successful overhaul of the nation's financial oversight systems.
The mood in the capital is unlikely to be improved by Rīgas siltums, which will raise heating tariffs by nearly 20% on December 1. Civil society groups are also tracking the planned liquidation of the Society Integration Foundation, a move they suggest could allow for greater political influence over NGOs and the media.
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Top Stories
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Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is under fire after a journalist suggested that his recent dismissal of an advisor, linked to 'golden visa' lobbying allegations, highlights a weakness in his leadership. The accusations involve lobbying for controversial 'golden visas' and selling residency permits to foreigners, occurring while Kulbergs is engaged in forming a new government.
Pietiek:
Lapsa: Kulbergs' dismissal of 'criminal' advisor confirms he is a weakling
Journalist Lato Lapsa suggests that Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs's swift dismissal of an advisor, without concrete evidence, reveals his character weakness. Lapsa pointed out this behavior in a recent YouTube post.
IR:
While Kulbergs Forms Government, His Advisor is Accused of Lobbying for Golden…
Andris Kulbergs begins talks with potential coalition partners, while the Progressive party accuses the prime minister's advisor of lobbying for 'golden visas' and selling residency permits to foreigners.
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The controversy surrounding Divja Višvanata's swiftly granted and then revoked citizenship has expanded, now reportedly affecting the presidency of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and triggering investigations into potential legal breaches. The Saeima had granted citizenship to the Indian scientist through a special law in a single session.
IR:
Scientist or Imposter? Divja Višvanata Citizenship Scandal Shakes Latvian…
A scandal over Divja Višvanata's hastily granted and then revoked citizenship has shaken not only her reputation but also the presidency of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, with institutions investigating potential legal violations.
Pietiek:
Vishvanathan: Citizenship granted to Indian businessman by Saeima in one session
The Saeima (Latvian Parliament) granted citizenship to Indian businessman Kanans Vishvanathan through a special law passed in a single session, without any opposing votes.
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Toms Platacis, the head of Latvia's Financial Intelligence Service, has provided reasons for his decision to leave his position, stating his intention to establish his own company specializing in combating money laundering. He also discussed Latvia's progress in becoming a model country in anti-money laundering efforts.
IR:
Mission Accomplished? FID Head Toms Platacis Reveals Reasons for Departure
Financial Intelligence Service head Toms Platacis reveals why he decided to leave his post and discusses how Latvia has become a model country in combating money laundering.
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Ahead of a government decision to liquidate the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), warnings have been raised concerning the potential for political influence to affect the work of non-governmental organizations and media outlets.
Delfi:
Warning Issued on Risk of Politically Influencing NGO and Media Work Before…
Ahead of a government decision to liquidate the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), warnings have been issued regarding the potential for political influence over NGO and media activities.
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A new solution has been introduced to assist victims of financial fraud, particularly addressing situations where banks previously refused to provide reimbursements by claiming the victim was at fault.
Pietiek:
Clear solution for fraud victims: banks cannot simply say 'your own fault!'
A solution is presented for victims of financial fraud, addressing situations where banks refuse reimbursements by claiming the victim was at fault.
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Oleg Stepanov, who once amassed millions from the oil industry, has shared his personal story after finding himself residing in a care home.
Delfi:
From Oil Millions to Care Home: Oleg Stepanov's Story
Oleg Stepanov, who once earned millions from oil, shares his story after ending up in a care home.
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Daily news summaries from Latvia
Part of the frontpages.eu European news digest
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