In the Media: Arnis Sauka on Latvia’s economic outlook and global trends
In February, SSE Riga Professor and Head of the Sustainable Business Centre, Arnis Sauka, gave two in-depth media interviews discussing the latest developments in Latvia and the world.
In an interview with Guntars Gūte from Diena, Sauka discusses the economic forecasts for Latvia in 2024 and the potential lessons the European Union can take from U.S. President Donald Trump's initial actions.
Professor Sauka expresses skepticism about political promises and budget planning, emphasizing that he believes in real actions rather than words. Sauka also comments on business organizations' calls to reduce public administration expenses to allocate funds for essential needs and notes the frequent inaccuracies in economic forecasts. He adds that while economic strategies and budget priorities are often reshaped yearly, real progress depends on consistent and transparent policy implementation rather than shifting political narratives. Furthermore, Sauka underscores the importance of long-term economic planning to ensure stability, particularly in the face of global uncertainties.
Read the full article (February 7, 2025): Diena
In an interview with Krišjānis Kļaviņš from Neatkarīgā, Arnis Sauka discusses Latvia’s economic outlook for 2025.
As Chairman of the State Competitiveness Commission, Sauka emphasizes that without significant investments in science, innovation, technology, and human capital, Latvia is unlikely to experience substantial economic growth. He points out that while the national budget deficit is currently manageable, the key issue lies in how funds are allocated. Sauka advocates for a more strategic and efficient use of resources, noting that neighboring countries like Estonia have excelled in this area. Additionally, he highlights the importance of Latvia’s politicians actively engaging with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to navigate potential economic impacts. Sauka stresses the need for Latvia to become more self-reliant and strategic in its investments to foster genuine development.
Read the full article (February 27, 2025): Neatkarīgā