The failure to provide a state loan to the national airline "airBaltic" would undermine the mobility, recognition, and competitiveness of Latvia's cultural and artistic sector, as well as be a radical decision that reduces the export and visibility of the cultural sector, according to leaders of several cultural institutions, LETA reports.
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity), Minister of Transport Aitis Švinkes (Progressives), and the leaders of the Saeima factions from "New Unity", the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), the "United List", the National Alliance, and the "Progressives", representatives of the cultural sector support providing assistance to "airBaltic" amid the energy crisis.
The letter explains that there is a demand for quality professional art products in various disciplines and cultural formats. Industry representatives emphasize that cultural activity in Latvia and its support is a priority as an important part of the existence of the nation, economy, and identity.
The authors of the letter refer to studies by the European Union and UNESCO, indicating that about 40% of global tourism consists of cultural tourism. Leaders of cultural institutions acknowledge that the interest of the European audience in culture continues to grow. They emphasize that Latvian artists are invited to work abroad, and European artists are willing to work in Latvia and do so regularly.
"Bilateral cooperation, brand development, and support for cultural excellence are important factors ensuring the success of our creative industries and a high level of cultural consumption in society," the letter states.
According to the leaders of cultural institutions, a significant part of the international recognition of culture is also ensured by "airBaltic". In their assessment, the airline's operations and its base in Riga are of strategic importance.
"In our opinion, it is unfair to consider the possibility of not supporting a state loan to ensure the operations of 'airBaltic' in these extraordinary conditions," the letter notes.
Representatives of the cultural sector emphasize that "airBaltic" is not only a function but also the reputation of the state and a source of pride, therefore they urge the Saeima and the government to make a "responsible and far-sighted" decision so that the company can continue to operate at the same level and with the same functions as before.
The letter was reviewed by Juris Žagars, a board member of the Dailes Theatre, Jānis Kalejs, a board member of the Latvian Film Service Producers Association, Gints Grube, a board member of the Latvian Film Producers Association, Matīss Kaža, a film producer at "Trickster Pictures" and "Dream Well Studio", Liene Treimane, a board member of the "Riga International Film Festival", and Ilze Paidere-Stake, the director of the Latvian Radio Choir.
As previously reported, coalition partners agreed to continue working in the government, Prime Minister Silina stated after a meeting with representatives of the coalition-forming political forces.
On Thursday, Silina invited representatives of "New Unity", ZZS, and the "Progressives" for negotiations. The Prime Minister noted that today the Saeima needs to resolve the issue of a loan for the national airline "airBaltic". This issue is planned to be discussed in the Saeima factions before the vote.
Silina also emphasized that Minister of Transport Švinkes must ensure that "airBaltic" becomes a profitable company. Otherwise, he will have to take responsibility, the Prime Minister noted.
Additionally, Silina pointed out that the Ministry of Transport needs to be reorganized, as "many tasks are stuck" and not moving forward. She expects the reorganization to happen soon.
For his part, the leader of the "Progressives", Andris Šuvajev, expressed hope that the issue of the "airBaltic" loan could be resolved as soon as possible.
During coalition negotiations, the "Progressives" also mentioned the "scandal with the forestry industry", indicating that if violations are found, Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze (ZZS) will also have to take responsibility.
LETA has already reported that disagreements between the parties represented in Silina's government have escalated to the point that on Wednesday she allowed for the possibility of the government collapsing, the official reason for which could be the inability of "New Unity", the "Progressives", and ZZS to agree on support for the airline "airBaltic".
Earlier, the ZZS faction deputies in the Saeima insisted on a "three-point proposal", including Švinkes' resignation, to support providing a short-term loan of 30 million euros to "airBaltic".
The ZZS proposal stipulated that support for the loan would be provided if there is a clear plan to achieve "airBaltic"'s status as a profitable company, if Švinkes resigns as Minister of Transport before the vote in the Saeima, taking political responsibility for the uncontrolled situation, and if Silina takes political responsibility for implementing the plan to ensure the airline's profitability.
For their part, the "Progressives" emphasized that they do not intend to consider the ZZS proposal, but called on their coalition partners from "New Unity" to negotiate to reach an agreement on further work.
