Riga, Aug 26 (LETA) - The regular increase in tariffs of the state-owned postal company Latvijas Pasts is being carried out through blackmailing methods, Ivonna Plaude, Chairperson of the Board of the Association of Latvian Regional Media, told LETA after a meeting with Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).

She said that problems with tariffs for Latvijas Pasts started around 2003. "These failures for Latvijas Pasts have always resulted in one thing - they demand money from the government," Plaude said.

The head of the association said that for the last ten years, there has been "blackmail by Latvijas Pasts - both against the government and against regional press publications". Plaude explained that in order for a media outlet to be included in Latvijas Pasts' subscription catalogue, a contract with Latvijas Pasts must be concluded by August 15. At the same time, increased tariffs are being submitted before the New Year, which means unplanned increase in budget costs for regional media.

"At the same time, the quality of postal deliveries continues to decline," said Plaude. She claimed that regional newspapers are often not delivered to readers at all or with delays. At the same time, tariff increases and compensation from the government are only continuing.

Plaude also stressed that the regional media are hoping for a lasting solution to the situation, as this government may change after the next parliamentary elections.

Overall, Plaude assessed the association's conversation with Silina as constructive. Silina understands the situation of regional media and is committed to improving it, Plaude added.

As reported, Latvijas Pasts plans to increase the universal postal service tariffs again from January 1, 2026.

Transport Minister Atis Svinka (Progressives) wrote on Tuesday on the X platform that the delivery costs for newspaper publishers will not increase next year. "Today, in a meeting with the Association of Latvian Press Publishers, we agreed that delivery costs for publishers will not increase next year," Svinka said.