Show Notes
Latvia is facing some uncomfortable questions. Are political promises translating into meaningful action, and can the country's institutions maintain public confidence?
In Episode 12 of No Malas Redzams, Māris examines Latvia's latest political developments from an Australian Latvian perspective, exploring the distance between political ambition and reality.
We begin with a letter from the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA) and the American Latvian Association to US President Donald Trump, challenging aspects of American policy towards Russia and calling for stronger support for Ukraine. Back in Latvia, the government faces legal and economic obstacles to restricting Russian grain transit, while a reported incident on the Belarusian border raises fresh security concerns.
Inside the Saeima, allegations involving Legal Affairs Committee chairman Andrejs Judins have sparked political controversy. We examine the employee's complaint, allegations raised by Linda Liepiņa, Judins' categorical denial, and the promised administrative review. We also explore the challenges of forming Latvia's next government, questions surrounding public administration and state forestry decisions, the future of LMT and Tet, and the debate over funding Latvian cinema.
Beyond politics, we consider the difficulties of accessing mental healthcare and the experiences of elderly Latvians determined to remain independent.
Finally, we celebrate Latvian language and culture and introduce our regular Latvian Dates to Remember segment, highlighting national commemorations, cultural traditions, and diaspora celebrations worldwide.
From Riga to Washington, and from Latvia to its communities overseas, this episode asks what happens when political promises meet the realities of governing.
Have something to tell Māris? Do you have a story from Latvia or the Latvian diaspora that deserves attention? Have you come across information we should investigate, an issue that needs discussing, or a perspective that isn't being heard?
We welcome news tips, information submissions, story suggestions, constructive criticism, and general comments from listeners worldwide. Email: [email protected] Your voice matters, wherever you live. No Malas Redzams. Latvia, seen from the outside. Presented by Māris
Editorial note: Allegations discussed in this episode are attributed to their sources and should not be understood as established findings of wrongdoing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from No Malas Redzams
Latvia has voted, the ballots have been counted, and the political landscape has changed dramatically. But winning an election is one thing. Governing a country is another. In this episode of No Malas Redzams, Māris examines the extraordinary results of Latvia's 15th Saeima election, drawing on the 9 October 2026 weekly news briefing from Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs (LSM). Apvienotais saraksts (United List) has emerged with 41 seats and 35.3% of the vote, while Latvia First and Sovereign Power/Alliance of New Latvians have secured significant parliamentary representation. New Unity has suffered a substantial setback, and the Union of Greens and Farmers has failed to cross the parliamentary threshold. With voter turnout at just 51.81%, the election raises important questions about political representation, public confidence, and Latvia's future direction. But the election is only the beginning. As Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs prepares to form a new government, Māris examines the coalition mathematics, possible political partnerships, and the challenge of turning campaign promises into effective government. And beyond the political manoeuvring, Latvia's everyday problems haven't disappeared.
With Latvia’s 15th Saeima election on 3 October 2026, this episode of No Malas Redzams examines what five political candidates actually said when speaking directly with Latvians in Australia and New Zealand.
ALVIS HERMANIS: KĀPĒC LATVIJA VIŅU KLAUSĀS? Līdz 15. Saeimas vēlēšanām palikušas 27 dienas.
No Austrālijas Latvijas politika dažreiz izskatās citādi. Attālums ne vienmēr ļauj redzēt vairāk, bet reizēm tas ļauj pamanīt modeļus, pie kuriem Latvijā jau esam pieraduši. Šajā No Malas Redzams epizodē Māris uzdod neērtu jautājumu: vai Latvijas politikā sāk veidoties politiskās ģimenes, kurās pazīstams uzvārds, kontakti, partijas ietekme un gadiem uzkrāta atpazīstamība kļūst par mantojamu politisko kapitālu?