Information prepared by Armands Gūtmanis, Head of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Latvia.
Riga must become the first climate‑neutral capital in the Baltics, said Mārtiņš Staķis — leader of the newly elected Riga City Council’s largest faction Attīstībai/Par!/Progresīvie and potential future Mayor of Riga — during a meeting on Thursday, September 24, with representatives of foreign companies and investors operating in Latvia.
Mārtiņš Staķis presented his faction’s vision for the priority areas of work in the newly elected Riga City Council, highlighting the following: higher‑quality governance, including stronger involvement of the NGO sector; education; mobility and infrastructure; urban environment and culture; environmental protection and climate neutrality; environmentally friendly housing policy; social support; and economic development and entrepreneurship.
During the meeting, entrepreneurs from various sectors asked Mārtiņš Staķis questions to better understand how the newly elected Riga City Council might address different challenges and issues.
The entrepreneurs asked questions regarding the provision of healthcare services in the capital, education, and access to kindergartens.
There were also questions related to infrastructure and transport. Mārtiņš Staķis explained that significant attention will be devoted to repairing Riga’s bridges and overpasses, and that plans include integrating suburban rail services into the public transport system. He also outlined opportunities to accelerate the development of infrastructure for cycling and other micromobility solutions. Kārlis Ķezberis, Head of Bolt in Latvia, inquired about potential municipal support for electric vehicles.
Mārtiņš Staķis also noted that the city could compensate for the loss of Marsa Park by creating a new park in another location.
Representatives of foreign companies and investors wished Mārtiņš Staķis, the Attīstībai/Par!/Progresīvie faction, and the Riga City Council overall success in achieving their stated goals.
The meeting with Mārtiņš Staķis was organised by the Irish, British and Swiss Chambers of Commerce in Latvia. Entrepreneur participation exceeded expectations, with around 80 attendees joining the event.
