Opinion piece
Latvia’s transit sector has reached a critical point, and the decisions of the Ministry of Transport will determine its future. However, one of the most controversial issues is the potential reappointment of Inguna Strautmane as the Chairperson of the Ventspils Freeport Authority (VBP). Industry experts are firmly AGAINST this move, warning that it could lead to stagnation at Ventspils Freeport and irreversible consequences!
Since 2019, when Strautmane took office, Ventspils Freeport has stagnated. Where is the development? Where are the investments? Where is modernization? The harsh reality is – they are nowhere to be seen! Ventspils Freeport has lost its competitiveness while other European ports are successfully advancing. Industry experts stress that under Strautmane’s leadership, there have been no significant innovations to boost transit growth or attract new cargo flow routes.
These mistakes have already cost the country millions! Ventspils Port has the potential to be a regional leader, yet it is slowly sinking. Does the country really need to suffer due to reckless and politically motivated decisions?
For many years, Strautmane has been involved in port reform at VBP, yet no real progress is visible. It seems as though the system is designed to sustain bureaucratic salaries rather than harness the country’s potential for real growth and economic expansion. Is this the kind of port management that Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens envisions?
Apparently, Briškens has decided to ignore the voices of industry professionals and push forward his political agenda. Why are alternative candidates not being considered? Why is the criticism of Strautmane being ignored? Experts are already warning – if Briškens continues this policy, Latvia could lose its strategic role in the transit sector entirely. Are we ready to accept that the country continues to suffer enormous economic losses due to incompetent leadership? How can the industry be reformed if an official who does not promote port development and growth is reappointed? Industry representatives – stevedores and associations – are voicing their dissatisfaction, yet their concerns are being dismissed. Does this approach not lead to stagnation at a time when the country has every opportunity to boost port growth?
In recent years, Latvia’s port economy has been in free-fall, while ports elsewhere in Europe are thriving and attracting investors. Why is Latvia falling behind? Why is the Ministry of Transport not taking action? Do we really have to watch as Latvia loses yet another strategic opportunity? Ventspils Port has the potential to become the Baltic transit hub, but without competent leadership, this will never happen. Will the Ministry of Transport make yet another strategic mistake, as seen with “Rail Baltica” and “airBaltic”?
Entrepreneurs and experts are demanding an immediate halt to this flawed approach and insist that Strautmane should not be reappointed. Briškens must stop ignoring reality – the future of Latvia’s transit sector is at risk, and the public has the right to know where the country’s economy is heading.
Will we seize our potential or continue to lose opportunities while others advance? Business leaders warn that a decision must be made immediately, and VBP needs a strong leader.
Even former Minister of Transport Ainārs Šlesers acknowledges that the transit sector is a crucial pillar of the economy that influences the country’s development and future. “If Latvia has three ports, given to us by God and which no one can take away, we must appreciate them,” the politician emphasizes.