Is Latvia's democracy delivering the transparency and accountability its people deserve?
In Episode 13 of No Malas Redzams, Māris examines a turbulent week in Latvian politics, national security, and public life. From controversial trade with Russia and Belarus to an extraordinary reversal of parliamentary citizenship, this episode asks difficult questions about political power, public trust, and Latvia's future.
This week's major stories include:
Russian Trade and Latvian Businesses: Why are Latvian companies still trading with Russia and Belarus during Russia's war against Ukraine? We examine newly published trade data, Russian grain transit through Latvia, sanctions, and businesses' ethical responsibilities.
Latvia's New Government: Following the 2026 Saeima election, Andris Kulbergs and the United List hold 41 parliamentary seats. We examine coalition negotiations, political influence, healthcare priorities, and the challenges facing Latvia's next government.
The Citizenship Controversy: How did Latvia's parliament approve exceptional citizenship for Indian-born scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, only to reverse its decision seven days later? We explore President Edgars Rinkēvičs's intervention, parliamentary accountability, and public concerns about Latvian citizenship requirements.
Political Accountability and Public Money: The Latvian Farmers' Union leadership resigns following electoral defeat, while parliamentary allowances and funeral-sector procurement findings raise further questions about transparency and oversight.
Latvian Public Media and Cybersecurity: Parliament intervenes in the structure of Latvian Television and Latvian Radio, while cybersecurity vulnerabilities disrupt public digital services.
A Provocation in Borrowed Colours: Military motorcycle clubs PERKŪNAS MMC and PATRIOTI MMC publicly reject attempts to associate their names and insignia with a gathering near Riga's Islamic Cultural Centre on 24 October 2026. Drawing on his own experience in Australia's motorcycle-club community, Māris examines misinformation, anti-immigration agitation, and the dangers of exploiting patriotic organisations to divide society. The identity and motives of those responsible remain unverified.
Latvia: Did You Know? Discover how Latvian efforts to help famine-stricken Estonians contributed to the establishment of the Riga Latvian Society in 1868, an institution central to Latvia's national awakening and the development of the Latvian Song Festival tradition.
Latvian Dates to Remember: Upcoming commemorations include Lāčplēša diena on 11 November and Latvian Independence Day on 18 November.
Latvian Sporting Success: Celebrating Latvia's young karate athletes following their medal-winning performances at the 2026 World Karate Federation youth championships in Poland.
No Malas Redzams, meaning Seen from the Outside, explores Latvian news, politics, history, culture, and national identity through the eyes of an Australian-Latvian
Māris brings an independent diaspora perspective to the issues shaping modern Latvia, connecting developments in Riga with the wider European and international political landscape.
Whether you live in Latvia, belong to the Latvian diaspora, have Baltic heritage, or simply want to understand what's happening in northeastern Europe, this podcast offers context, commentary, and questions worth asking.
We welcome news tips, corrections, community announcements, Latvian diaspora events, historical information, and listener opinions.
Email: tellmaris@nomalasredzams.com
Website: https://nomalasredzams.com
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No Malas Redzams. Latvia, seen from the outside.