Opinion column questions LatRailNet's handling of tariffs on Russian grain transit

The Latvian daily Latvijas Avīze published an opinion column on 13 October by commentator Armands Puče. It argues that Latvian institutions and companies have, in his view, failed to resist Russian influence. The newspaper notes that the piece reflects the author's subjective opinion and may differ from the editorial board's position.

Grain transit and LatRailNet

Puče writes that Russian grain transit through Latvia was debated all summer. According to him, Prime Minister Kulbergs demanded a 300% surcharge on tariffs for Russian freight while a full ban is being prepared. The author claims that AS LatRailNet, a company owned by the state-owned Latvijas dzelzceļš (Latvian Railway) and responsible for tariff and capacity policy on the rail network, set only 24% instead, citing the need for approval by European institutions. He argues that the delay resembles sabotage rather than incompetence and asks whom the company's officials really serve. He offers no evidence for these suggestions.

Puče also disputes the economic importance of transit, claiming that jobs are sustained by state subsidies while profits end up in companies and zones unconnected to the state.

The Ragozins case

The author also criticises the Foreign Ministry over journalist Leonīds Ragozins. As Puče describes him, Ragozins is a Russian citizen with property and a residence permit in Latvia who has for decades defended the Kremlin's rhetoric. The foreign minister decided last week to start a process to add another Russian citizen to Latvia's persona non grata list. Puče asks why the authorities did not act earlier.

Earlier examples

In the introduction, Puče cites the cases of banker Guseļņikovs's Latvian bank and PNB Banka as examples of foreign interests at work. He concludes that responsible officials too often serve other countries' interests.