Analytics, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Latvia

Peteris Krigers.

Krigers reported LETA that the suspicion that the Latvian government itself set requirements, became clear today, adding that both the government's and IMF's attitude toward the Latvian community in general and its partners has been inconsiderate.

Krigers said that he had pointed out to IMF Senior Regional Representative for Central Europe and the Baltics Christoph Rosenberg that carrying out the stabilization plan will be complicated, and urged him and his colleagues to see the community's stance at tomorrow's mass rally on Dome Square. Rosenberg replied that this would not be possible, as the delegation's visit will be over.

The union leader noted that the main arguments why his organization categorically opposes the IMF-approved stabilization plan is that higher taxes and smaller salaries will not stabilize Latvia's economy, besides the plan fails to set a key objective – development of production, as only new companies and new job positions boost development.

Krigers also noted that resources are to be slashed for education and science, which will stifle innovation and high added value, also the agriculture, tourism, book publishing, radio and TV sectors.

Despite his organization's objections, IMF will make no changes in the plan because this is up to the Latvian government, "but the government won't do anything either," Krigers underlined.