Analytics, Economics, Latvia, LIVE RIGA, Markets and Companies, Tourism

Ainars Slesers.

"If we were to activate "LIVE RĪGA" using standard practice, starting with various surveys, we could look to 2011 or 2012 for its implementation. But we must create new jobs already this year, we have to fill up hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums and the opera," declares Slesers.

In speaking of the Grindeks Pharmaceuticals Company's wish to build a 24-floor high rise near Salu Bridge, the deputy mayor points out that he hails from the Kengarags neighborhood, and he knows its negative aura. He mentions that normal families face problems there, as it is inhabited by drug addicts, crooks and other low lifes.

Slesers notes that it is highly important for the City Council to have a clear stance on such investment opportunities as "investors are not exactly standing in line to get into Moscow [or Latgale] District."

"We can debate 24, 20 or 12 floors, a compromise must be sought. But we need a sparkplug for Moscow District, to change something there – a big, new project," he points out. Slesers added that the City Development Plan is to be changed next year.