Latvian government must be courageous

According to the daily newspaper Diena the consequences of the economic crisis are particularly dramatic in Latvia: "The government meeting this week could be one of the most important in our country's recent history. On Friday the government must decide whether it is in a position to cut its expenses as much as the [International Monetary Fund] IMF has prescribed. And at this meeting called by [President Valdis] Zatler the issue of reforms in the areas of administration, education and the public health system, as well as defence, must also be addressed, with the aim not only of reducing costs but also of making these institutions more efficient. Will the government have the courage to do what needs to be done? … All the members of the cabinet must be aware of what an enormous responsibility rests on their shoulders. There are only two alternatives: either to optimise state functions now or to realise in a couple of months' time that the budget is out of control."

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