The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee has rejected a citizens’ initiative that proposed to designate Lāčplēsis Day (the 11th of November) as an official public holiday in Latvia.
During the committee meeting, Latvian Employers’ Confederation (LDDK) representative Pēteris Leiškalns argued that one public holiday costs the country about 0.4% of GDP. He stressed that Latvia is already facing a growing budget deficit and that funds are needed for national security and defence.
Leiškalns also noted that some wealthier countries are reducing the number of public holidays and criticised the idea of introducing a new holiday right before 18 November (Latvia’s Independence Day), which is already a public holiday.
Egīls Baldzēns, chairman of the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (LBAS), emphasised that employees care not only whether a day is declared a holiday, but also whether it is a paid day off. He said existing public holidays should not be removed to make room for Lāčplēsis Day, but added that it could be considered to make the 11th of November a shortened workday — something he called a political decision.
Initiative author Andris Balcers said he feels excuses are being sought not to grant this status. He argued that Lāčplēsis Day stands above institutions, marking the day “our soldiers won our country”, and warned that
defending the nation is not just about weapons and money — it depends on people.
Committee chair Leila Rasima (Progressives) concluded that there is no political support in the current Saeima to make the 11th of November a full public holiday, as other factions are not responsive.
The majority of MPs voted against the initiative. Only Jānis Grasbergs (National Alliance) and Iļja Ivanovs (“For Stability!”) supported it.
At the same time, the committee agreed to explore the option of declaring Lāčplēsis Day a shortened workday instead.
The initiative’s authors argued that making the 11th of November a public holiday would: strengthen patriotism, national unity and belonging to Latvia; encourage families and the public to participate in commemorative events, honouring Latvia’s history and freedom fighters; serve as an educational tool for children and youth to build understanding of national history and identity.
They believe it would establish Lāčplēsis Day as a symbol of freedom and independence, reinforcing Latvia’s core values and traditions.
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