Hey everyone! It’s Rundelya here, and I wanted to share some thoughts from a recent conversation I had with one of my fans, Mark. Even though I don’t live in Latvia, I keep a close eye on the news and updates from the country, especially since my aunt lives there and is considering moving away as well. It seems like half the country has already relocated to places like Dubai, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, and Slovenia!

My links: https://linktr.ee/rundalya

The Reality of Utility Bills

During our chat, Mark mentioned that his recent utility bill came to a staggering 208 euros, not including his phone bill. This is despite his efforts to save as much as possible. He’s been really diligent about conserving water, even going so far as to leave the water in the bathtub after his shower to use for flushing the toilet later. It’s a clever way to make the most of every drop, but it’s also a sign of how tough things have become.

Mark also shared that he hardly uses gas and is doing everything he can to cut down on electricity. He’s been living in near darkness, using just one light bulb instead of three to save on costs. It’s incredible how much effort he’s putting into managing his expenses, yet the bills still seem overwhelming.

Rising Costs and New Laws

Our conversation took a serious turn when we discussed the recent changes in legislation regarding prescription medications. Mark mentioned that the cost for prescriptions has doubled, meaning that if someone needs to pick up six medications, they now have to pay 1.50 euros for each one. This money goes straight into the government’s coffers, which feels incredibly unfair, especially for those who rely on these medications, like the elderly.

On top of that, all online services are now subject to a 21% VAT, and taxes have increased by 5% this year. It’s frustrating to see how the government continues to impose these burdens while the roads remain in disrepair, with many not being fixed for over a decade. Despite the high road tax and expensive insurance, the infrastructure is crumbling.

Ordering goods from abroad has also become a hassle, as there are now taxes based on the value of the items, leading to a situation where it feels like you’re paying tax on tax. When you receive your salary, you pay taxes; when you buy something in a store, you pay taxes again. In reality, after all these deductions, you’re left with maybe 40% of your income. Even withdrawing cash from an ATM incurs a tax. It’s a never-ending cycle of taxation and bureaucracy.

Government Mismanagement

Mark expressed his frustration with the government, particularly with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, who flies around in a private jet costing 1 million euros while claiming that the country has more money than ever. Yet, just a month later, he says there’s no money left. It’s clear why — much of it has likely been squandered on personal luxuries or invested in offshore properties.

Laws are often passed without proper voting in the Saeima, leaving citizens feeling powerless to effect change. The government seems to prioritize spending on supporting the war in Ukraine while neglecting the needs of its own people. There’s a high level of alcoholism and suicide in the country, and it raises the question: where is the European Parliament and NATO in all of this? Are they truly protecting the rights of the people?

Conclusion

Talking with Mark really opened my eyes to the struggles many people face in Latvia. While I may not live there, I feel connected to the experiences of those who do, especially through conversations like this. It’s a reminder of the importance of community and support, even from afar.

My links: https://linktr.ee/rundalya

If you’re in a similar situation or have thoughts about life in your country, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other as we navigate these challenging times. 🖤