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Archived edition · November 03, 2026 Today's news →

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Convenes 🪑

New Saeima convenes for inaugural session

The newly elected Saeima, Latvia's parliament, has convened for its inaugural session, marking the official start of a new legislative period. This follows the parliamentary election in early October, which saw Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' four-party coalition secure 35% of the vote.

Meanwhile, an unidentified object that had prompted a search by the National Armed Forces and caused alarm has landed near Tilza in the Balvi region. In other domestic news, new details have surfaced concerning the controversial granting of Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divja Višvanata, including revelations about a secret citizenship commission meeting. Additionally, financial declarations from officials overseen by the Latvian Academy of Sciences have revealed significant incomes and savings.

Ongoing domestic discussions include warnings from Professor Andris Ambainis about Europe's dangerous lag in AI development, and the continued investigation into how a funeral cartel operated. Young scientist Kristaps Paļskis has also been recognized for his innovative cancer treatment research at CERN, while political scientist Linda Curika is using a theatrical role to address women's societal roles, and Livonian linguist Valts Ernštreits received a literature prize.

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Citizenship Scandal and Financial Scrutiny

New details have emerged in the ongoing citizenship scandal, with reports detailing how a 'secret citizenship commission meeting' led to the decision regarding Latvian citizenship for Divja Višvanata, whose citizenship was later revoked. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has faced criticism over an advisor's dismissal and the handling of the citizenship process. Separately, financial declarations from officials overseen by the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LZA) have revealed significant incomes…

Funeral Cartel Operations Revealed

The Competition Council has continued its investigation into the funeral cartel, revealing details on how the involved companies colluded on prices in public procurement tenders to ensure predetermined winners.

Cultural and Social Commentary

Political scientist and communication specialist Linda Curika is taking on a theatrical role to humorously address societal expectations placed on women. Separately, Livonian linguist and poet Valts Ernštreits, who also serves as the chairperson of the National Cultural Council and Director of the Livonian Institute at the University of Latvia, has received the prestigious Baltic Assembly Prize in Literature for his collection of poems.

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