On Tuesday, 26 April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Government Action Plan of Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis’ government to help accomplish established priorities.

The government action plan was created with consideration of the government’s priorities – enhancement of the national economy, state security, demographic situation, quality of life for families, social benefits, reforms in education and science and healthcare.

One of the main directions for Agriculture Ministry is the development of businesses in rural territories. As part of the action plan, the ministry is to ensure development is carried out equally. In addition, support should be provided in accordance with the level of population in different regions. Work will continue to find new export markets for agricultural products. The third objective is proper management of natural resources. The main focus of that will be the development of water resources and melioration systems.

In the finance industry, compliance with budget discipline, balanced tax policy, realization of finances provided by European funds and management of real estate properties will be the main priorities for the next several years. Finance Ministry will review income and costs to make sure they are effective. It is also planned to reduce the tax gap among the largest taxpayer groups and continue efforts to combat grey economy. Security and longevity will be the main focus for the development of the country’s financial sector. The ministry will also monitor the realization of EU finances to make sure the money is used within established terms and only on specific projects.

One of the main priorities in transport industry will be the development of a predictable and stable road infrastructure funding model. In parallel to sorting out the road infrastructure, the ministry also has to improve the accessibility and connectivity of the country’s public transport. In the railway sector, the ministry will have to develop an infrastructure development plan for the next five years. It is also planned to develop a new and comprehensive infrastructure fee system. The successful realization of Rail Baltica project will also be one of Transport Ministry’s main priorities.

In regards to defence, the government is committed to develop its anti-air defence capabilities and improve its airspace radar coverage.  The government also plans to introduce new anti-air defence systems, ensure better monitoring of the country’s airspace and combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces. No specific term is established for those goals.

In the healthcare sector, the government plans to review the tax system in order to consider the option to increase healthcare sector’s funding proportion from GDP. The government also plans to review the range of healthcare services financed from the state budget, as well as discuss and establish healthcare services that fall within the category of state funded services and review tariffs for healthcare services.

Aside from the aforementioned tasks, the government also wishes to review the accessibility of healthcare service funding, develop a new healthcare service funding model and the structure of service providers. It is mentioned in the action plan that reforms have been initiated as a result of those measures to ensure longevity and funding stability of the country’s healthcare system.

Education sector’s priority will be the raising of accessibility of all levels and forms of education. Education and Science Ministry is committed to change education contents in order to start introducing relevant projects from 2018/2019 school year onward. It is also planned to reform the teacher’s pay system and form a modern education network. The main focus for the country’s science sector will be the development and concentration of resources, rising of competitiveness of scientific institutions and increase of base funding for scientific projects. Improvement of the sports industry’s infrastructure would continue.

Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry’s priority will be environmental protection and the prevention of climate change. Specific objectives have been established for the introduction of circular economy, waste processing output increase. It is also planned to enhance the principle ‘Polluter pays and pays more than others’. In regional development field, it is planned to make sure municipalities become more involved in development of businesses.

The main priority of Latvia’s Culture Ministry will be preparations for the country’s 100^th birthday. It is planned to approve the programme of events this summer. In relation to the enhancement of the national information spare, it is planned to focus on the development of varied and creative national content. The ministry will also develop cultural infrastructure on a national and regional level, as well as enhance cultural education for employed people and having it included in the teachers’ pay system. The ministry also plans to develop creative industries to increase their contribution to the state economy.

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