To improve Latvia’s demographic situation, the key solutions are to revise social benefits, improve healthcare, and enhance access to housing, President Edgars Rinkēvičs said in an interview with “Rīta Panorāma” on Latvian Television.
These conclusions were drawn after a recent meeting focused on demographic issues, during which many plans, studies, and policy concepts were reviewed. Ultimately, three main categories of problems emerged: benefits, healthcare, and housing accessibility.
The President noted that, according to the information he received, some state benefits in Latvia have not been increased in 20 years. “There are issues where the state must send a clear signal to families that it remains consistent and will continue to offer support,” Rinkēvičs said.
Addressing housing, the President pointed to difficulties families face in securing mortgage loans for homes more than 70km from Riga. The Ministry of Economics is reportedly examining this issue, and Rinkēvičs expressed hope that conclusions would be presented soon.
Rinkēvičs also suggested the potential need for special benefits for families living farther from Riga.
The President urged that, over the next few years, serious efforts be made to resolve Latvia’s demographic challenges, sticking to the three key areas he identified and avoiding excuses such as “we can’t do this or that.”
As previously reported, Rinkēvičs has consistently stated that clear, concrete steps must be taken to demonstrate the state’s commitment to the well-being of current and future families.
At the beginning of April, the Council on Demographic Affairs reviewed a report on demographic policy development. To define priority actions for 2025 to improve the quality of life for families with children, responsible ministries must submit concrete proposals to the Ministry of Welfare (MoW) by the 16th of May, including performance indicators, funding needs, and sources.
The proposed support measures involve cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Smart Administration and Regional Development, the Ministry of Culture, and other institutions. Many initiatives will also require engagement from local governments, NGOs, and trade unions.
The report concludes that improving the demographic situation will require not only increased financial support for families upon the birth of a child, but also improved conditions for both parents to balance work and family life—particularly through more flexible childcare options tailored to families’ needs.
Equally crucial are accessible housing for young families and professionals, high-quality healthcare, psychological support for parents, and other forms of assistance.
While families need targeted, evidence-based support from both national and municipal authorities, the Ministry of Welfare notes that a key factor in population sustainability is Latvia’s overall economic development, individual financial stability, and the public’s sense of security.
Societal attitudes must also change to create a more inclusive, family-friendly environment. The role of the family must be strengthened as a social value, with support policies that reflect this and ensure parents feel appreciated and supported.
In addition to strengthening support systems, the government must also reduce mortality from external causes, promote public health and education, and provide well-paid employment opportunities that enable a decent quality of life—reducing the incentive to emigrate.
The MoW explains that economic motivations have been the dominant driver of emigration from Latvia, reflecting dissatisfaction with income, living conditions, and work environments. Thus, to ensure population growth, national policy should aim to reduce emigration and support remigration.
As LETA previously reported, the MoW’s demographic development report outlines three strategic directions: first, recognizing every child as a value through support for family formation and improved living standards; second, creating a high-quality living environment; and third, minimizing migration push factors and promoting return migration.
The implementation of the proposed measures for 2025 is to be funded from the approved state budget. For 2026 and beyond, additional funding needs will be addressed through the annual state budget planning process, with ministries submitting proposals for priority actions.