RIGA, Feb 17 (LETA) - As the government has reduced the share of personal income tax into the municipal budgets, Riga budget has lost EUR 139 million, Riga Mayor Martins Stakis (Progressives/For) in an interview with the commercial TV3 television.

According to Stakis, the Riga municipality could have done much more, including in repairs of potholes on Riga streets, if the city did not lose the revenue.

Stakis believes that attraction of investment projects is succeeding very well - the city is developing.

There is still low funding for maintenance of streets in Riga - every year about EUR 40 million are necessary for the purpose, the previous city council allocated up to EUR 20 million, and this year EUR 24 million are earmarked.

The politician said that the only right solution is renovation of streets instead of just repairing potholes, but due to the climate and weather, these works can be started in May.

Speaking about the planned 'heating reform' in Riga after the Riga City Council has decided not to allow installing natural gas heating in the city after 2025, Stakis said that the Environment Protection and Regional Ministry has raised objections to it, but they will be solved, however, in general, no significant changes in this decision should be expected.