The global freedom index

Latvia ranks twentieth in the "State of World Liberty Index", the product of joint research by several institutes and international NGOs on economic and personal freedom. Peteris Strautins says it's not a bad ranking, but laments the fact that of all countries Latvia's eternal rival Estonia is number one. "We could try to console ourselves by saying that the Estonians go to great pains to seem as westernised as possible, but in their heart of hearts harbour the same fears we do. But Latvia has more corruption, and fears are growing regarding people who are perceived as threatening, for example sexual minorities and their campaign to be allowed to march peacefully through the city. This hysteria did not come about spontaneously but has been fuelled by politicians who want to divert the public's attention form their own underhand dealings."

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