Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Innovations, Investments, Latvia

During the forum ''Science in Latvia – how to achieve excellence?'', the prime minister listened to criticism from representatives of the science and innovation sector on the current situation, as well as the lack of funding. Straujuma said that she has heard all of this before. ''Why can we not create a platform and try to obtain the necessary funding?'' she asked.

''I am prepared to be involved in this myself. Why can we not create a scientific platform for EUR 200 million? The state would then repay it within 50 years,'' she said.

The prime minister promised that after the task-force on the new salary model for teachers is completed, she and Education and Science Minister Marite Seile will turn their attention to the science sector. However, Straujuma said that she cannot achieve this without scientists themselves.

''I and the minister will not be capable of coming up with such an offer to the European Investment Bank. I need information on what the fundamental research will be on and how we intend to go about doing this. I hope that scientists will find their way to the Cabinet of Ministers,'' Straujuma emphasized.