Latvian Culture Minister warns of major wage crisis in sector

Latvian Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis has warned of a massive wage crisis within the culture sector, stating that even if current funding levels are maintained, salaries remain significantly lower than the general labor market.

Puntulis noted that state-owned companies are at particular risk of losing technical staff to the private sector, as enthusiasm alone is insufficient to retain employees. He identified cultural sector funding as a high priority for the 2027 state budget planning process.

Regarding potential revenue increases, the Minister rejected the idea of raising ticket prices for cultural events, citing the low purchasing power of the local population and noting that prices have already reached their maximum feasible limits.