Energy, Financial Services, Latvia, Legislation, Pensioners, Strike

The federation believes that several decisions made by Saeima and government this year, including the one on opening the electricity market, will considerably lower pensioners' standard of living and drive many of them into poverty.

According to Latvian Pensioners' Federation Chairman Andris Silins, at least ten percent of residents will be forced to apply for state aid if the electricity market is opened. Those who use small amounts of electricity will see their bills grow 31 percent. Moreover, electricity price hikes will also increase the prices of other goods.

The way that electricity market liberalization is being carried out in Latvia is not in accordance with the European Union's recommendations, believes the federation. It intends to inform EU officials about this.

The Latvian Pensioners' Federation also promised to hold a rally against electricity market liberalization by April 1 and urge non-governmental organization to support its efforts.