Political scientist Philipp Raevsky found an unexpected explanation for many of the country's management failures: EU money arrived faster than a culture of managing it was established.
On the air of TV24, he compared Latvia to a person who suddenly received a large inheritance. Normally, the expert explained, wealth and experience grow together - a person matures, gains professionalism, and only then starts earning more. That is why he knows what to do with the money.
Latvia's situation turned out differently. I will put forward a thesis, this is my feeling: Latvia became rich before it became smart,” said Raevsky. “Usually, a person grows in intellect, and along with that, their wealth grows. You become smarter, older, more experienced, work better, become more professional in your field - and you become richer. And then you know how to handle that money,” he added.
After joining the EU, the country found itself in a different situation. “We received an inheritance from a rich uncle. And it took off. We simply had more money than common sense,” he characterized what happened. This, in the political scientist's opinion, explains part of the chronic difficulties in implementing large projects. Financial opportunities grew, but the management culture did not.
Raevsky specifically addressed the new Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. He expressed hope that Kulbergs would maintain the approach he had when coming to power.
“When he was a candidate for Prime Minister, his mantra was: ‘Unconventional circumstances require unconventional solutions.’ I hope this mantra does not disappear after he took office as head of government,” concluded the political scientist.
