Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has just announced on social media that a decision to impose a 300 percent tax (duty) on the transportation of Russian and Belarusian grain will be made at the upcoming Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, September 15. The issue of restricting the transit of Russian grain is being coordinated with the Prime Ministers of Lithuania and Estonia. Kulbergs also responded to the initiative of the "progressives" to ban the transit of Russian grain through Latvia. The head of government has not yet responded to warnings that the cessation of this type of transit will lead to a sharp decline in turnover at the Port of Liepaja and that stevedores may face lawsuits for huge amounts. "I am glad that there is broad support in the Saeima for economic restrictions on Russia. I perceive this as a clear mandate from the Saeima to the government to continue the work already begun. And we will continue. Decisively. Not with loud slogans, but with real actions. We will not look for excuses as to why something cannot be done. We will not hide behind endless approvals and waiting for others to decide something for us. Latvia itself has the tools, and they must be used. Our goal is clear - to limit the transit of Russian grain as much as possible and to ensure that Latvian infrastructure does not help the economy of the aggressor country earn money and finance the war against Ukraine. Of course, one cannot help but notice the approaching elections. Suddenly, the loudest fighters against the transit of Russian grain and seekers of "bloody grain" have emerged among those who could have acted independently during the previous three years in power. Then - excuses, delays, and arguments about why it cannot be done. Now - loud calls for the government to act. We in the government have already been acting since August. On Tuesday, a prepared amendment to the bill will be submitted to the Cabinet. The only difference is that we will not talk, but we will act," wrote the head of government.
