"External factors undoubtedly affect the economy of Latvia, but they cannot serve as an excuse for our own failure to do our homework. On the contrary, the more challenging the external environment, the more important it is to get in order what is under our own control. The signals are very clear right now. GDP growth forecasts have been lowered, the Ministry of Finance predicts that by 2030 the fiscal space could reach minus 936 million euros, while the government's decisions and planning documents already contain commitments without financial coverage amounting to about 550 million euros by 2027. This means that the problem is not only in the future; it is already forming today. Therefore, the LDDK has consistently called on the government to critically assess public spending and make public administration more efficient. We pointed out the possibilities of reducing bureaucracy, unnecessary expenditures, and the need to review the functions of the state — their necessity and duplication. Unfortunately, progress has been much slower than entrepreneurs expected. Over the past five years, public spending has increased by about seven billion euros. Government sector spending reaches 46.1% of GDP — still the highest figure among the Baltic states. If the share of public spending were reduced by 2%, it would amount to 900 million euros that could be directed to priorities. Meanwhile, the number of people employed in the public sector has not changed significantly for more than ten years, although there are regular discussions about improving public administration, reviewing functions, implementing technologies, and eliminating long vacancies." The decision to eliminate long vacancies was included in the draft government resolution by Ms. Silina, reminded the former star footballer. According to K. Gorkshs, "the pre-election period should not be an excuse to postpone necessary decisions." "A situation arises where all the words in the proposal are correct - 'we will reduce expenses', 'we will limit the too rapid growth of salaries', 'we will reduce bureaucracy by 25%', but in reality, negligible results are packaged in shiny wrappers, unfulfilled homework simply accumulates, and each subsequent budget becomes increasingly complicated. Right now, it is most important to prevent a situation where geopolitical tensions are joined by fiscal and social tensions in Latvia. Therefore, the government must start with what it can do itself and review the functions and expenses of the central apparatus, ministries, and state institutions, abandon less priority expenditures, and achieve much more efficient use of public money. This is not just a budget issue. It is a question of the state's ability to maintain competitiveness, trust, and social stability at a time when external challenges are increasing."