Analytics, Latvia, Society

Ivars Godmanis.

In the time period between the end of June and the end of November last year, the prime minister was mentioned in 2,596 press publications, which made up 9.4% of the total publicity for over 170 of Latvia's top politicians.

The study reveals that Godmanis' publicity significantly surged in autumn, when he became the principal public figure, associated to dealing with the economy crisis.

Sociologist Arnis Kaktins points out that currently Godmanis is "on the front line" of publicity because he is carrying the burden of the economic situation on his back and is receiving much publicity because of this, Godmanis is also the central public figure, which explains the current issues to the society.

The President Valdis Zatlers has come second in terms of the publicity volume. Between June and November, Zatlers was mentioned in 2,436 press publications, which makes up 8.82% of the total publicity.

The Finance Minister Atis Slakteris (People's Party) was in the third place, as he was mentioned in 862 press publications in the same period of time.

Other politicians, often receiving press attention, were the ex-President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima deputy and composer Raimonds Pauls (People's Party), Interior Minister Mareks Seglins (People's Party) and the Mayor of Riga Janis Birks (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK). The volume of publicity in June-November was also rather high for the Transport Minister Ainars Slesers (Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way), Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs and the ex-Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis (People's Party).

LETA started compiling politicians' publicity ratings this past February. The data for compiling the publicity ratings is analyzed in various categories, for instance, according to publicity amount in regional and national press, the language of the publication, and others.