In Latvia, there is no shortage of bureaucrats and ministers, but there is a catastrophic shortage of young mothers, said opposition MP Linda Matisone (AS) during a debate in the Saeima on Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s (JV) annual report on the government’s achievements and plans.
Matisone pointed out that the fewer children there are, and the more bureaucrats are left, the harder life will be for future generations. “Latvia does not have a crisis in the state’s wallet, we have a crisis in the government’s values and priorities,” stated the deputy.
Matisone highlighted that Latvia is facing a demographic crisis, as last year the country reached its lowest birth rate in the last 100 years. The number of births in Latvia is decreasing faster than the EU average, she said, adding that the Prime Minister’s report addresses demographic issues in a rather broad way.
As Matisone explained, the report states that “the government’s work on defining support directions for improving demographics continues.” “The open question remains – after defining, when will the actual work finally follow?” Matisone questioned.
The MP pointed out that the child care allowance in Latvia has not been reviewed for the past 12 years, and the allowance for dependents has not increased in the last five years, resulting in households with children becoming poorer and more vulnerable to poverty.
The politician noted that birth rates are declining rapidly, and families are being forced to either give up having children or even leave the country.
Matisone emphasized that the state begins with people, and it is people who are the foundation of any economy and army. Today’s children will form tomorrow’s country – including the army, economy, and pension system, she said.
“Unfortunately, both this government and the previous ones have long failed to see young families beyond the ‘Excel’ spreadsheets, which is why Latvia is dying and the economy is stagnating,” Matisone said, adding that even the “government’s praised tax reform” has left families with children worse off compared to childless individuals.
As previously reported, the Prime Minister presented the annual government report on Thursday in the Saeima.