Education and Science, Financial Services, Latvia, Legislation, Wages

According to estimates, 88% of municipalities in Latvia meet the requirements laid down by the reform and therefore qualify for higher subsidies.

The Education and Science Ministry has calculated changes in the earmarked subsidies based on schoolchildren numbers at the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year.

As a result, the earmarked subsidies for 41% of local governments are to increase more than 15%, and subsidies for another 21% of local governments will grow 10% to 15%.

On the other hand, earmarked subsidies are to reduce for 12% of local governments, part of which are located in Greater Riga Area. However, according to Education and Science Minister Karlis Sadurskis (Unity), taking into consideration the latest estimates for the next school year – according to which the number of students in Greater Riga Area schools is to increase, the earmarked subsidies for these municipalities may remain unchanged.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers is to review the reform of teachers' salary system on July 1, and the reform is to come commence on September 1.

Under the reform proposed by the Education and Science Ministry, the monthly salary to teachers in the lowest pay category will be raised from EUR 420 to EUR 680, or by 62%, starting on September 1, 2016.