SLOW SLIDE DOWNHILL CONTINUES

The slide downhill continues. Prime Minister Godmanis has left the government and the bargaining has begun, still without the Russian party of course. They will be in the government because they have too many seats not to be, but unlike America which has now officially embraced minorities, the idea of the Russian speakers being in control was too much for president Zattlers who even refused to see their candidate. But it will be interesting to see as the financial pips squeek how many of the anti Russian policies last. Not many is my guess.

Shops continue to close, especially in the expensive areas near the centre. When I told my sister about this, she said quickly "just like Swansea then!". So perhaps my trip last weekend to Surrey which still looks as prosperous as ever should have been to Wales to look at things there.

There is a bit of a fightback though. Tomorrow there will be a mass networking event for 2000 Latvian business leaders in Arena Riga. Apparently the President will attend as will VVF the last President. I shall go - and report back.