It seems that neither the Prime Minister nor the political class as a whole want to answer the very question that should be asked regarding Rail Baltica: do we really need airBaltic (or Rail Baltica) at all, and if so, to what extent? How important are these companies to us? Until answers to these key questions are obtained, all other actions resemble a path without a clearly defined goal — like aimless drifting in the ocean. We will simply end up wherever the wind and waves take us. If we consider something to be truly valuable, significant, and necessary, we do not spare any money, effort, or energy on it. Conversely, attempts are made to measure this "significance" — which is, in fact, a purely psychological question — leading to all these discussions about transport connectivity, impact on GDP, influence on the investment climate, tourist flow, and similar matters; however, psychologists have long proven that such arguments do not change anyone's beliefs. Whether airBaltic affects GDP by one, two, or three percent is of no consequence to people's beliefs. Just as it does not matter whether the airline has 80, 70, or 60 direct destinations. "In the case of airBaltic," the commentator continues, "the main problem for a long time has been the lack of a unified understanding of how much this company is needed. Some see airBaltic as a unique asset — something we possess that our neighbors do not — while others question how much longer funds can be poured into this 'bottomless barrel.' This lack of consensus has deep historical roots." A reasonable argument — after all, the airline has not always had smooth sailing! "Financial difficulties — whether serious problems or minor troubles — have plagued airBaltic throughout its existence; the relationship between the airline and the Latvian state and the public has also been complicated. Long before the current challenges, airBaltic had already caused dissatisfaction among certain circles. A rather negative image formed around the airline and its former leader/owner Bertolt Flick — despite the fact that Flick was one of the few foreigners who, while working and managing an international company in Latvia, managed to master the Latvian language fluently." This is certainly a valuable asset. How much did the indispensable specialist earn for his language practice at a company with 90 percent state capital? "During the COVID pandemic, the state managed to allocate 570 million to businesses; why then is the very discussion of state participation in an enterprise with development potential considered taboo? I would like to hear the Prime Minister's opinion on these issues," concludes B. Latkovskis.
