Minister urges review of academy’s economics institute

Latvia’s education and science minister says the Latvian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Economics should be assessed alongside the academy, LSM reported.

Ilze Indriksone of the National Alliance said the institute is listed in the register of scientific institutions but, like the academy, has not recently been included in an international assessment of research institutions.

The institute has drawn attention because its director, Ģina Linde, arranged Latvian residence permits for third-country nationals in exchange for investments of 50,000 euros in her company. Linde says the payments complied with the Immigration Law. The responsible authorities are conducting a review.

Based in the academy’s building, the institute is a limited liability company whose stated activities include research and experimental development in the social sciences and humanities. Linde chairs its board, while the council is chaired by academy general secretary Baiba Rivža. The two previously worked together at the Education and Science Ministry, where Rivža was minister and Linde her adviser.

In written responses to LSM’s Panorāma programme, the institute’s representatives described it as a non-profit organisation, while noting that its legal status allows it to sign contracts and raise funds. Its turnover was just under 57,000 euros in 2025, 37% lower than in 2022. Rivža and Linde said income varies depending on projects and contract work, and that the institute’s performance should not be judged on turnover alone. The institute’s council also includes Indian citizen Kanan Vishwanath.