The Government of Latvia Prepared a Special Award for Raimonds Pauls

Raimonds Pauls will receive the highest award from the government of Latvia and 10,000 euros. The government decided to honor the maestro for his outstanding contribution to the development of music and culture, strengthening national identity, and promoting Latvia worldwide. Along with the honorary award, the composer will receive a monetary prize of 10,000 euros. ### A Lifetime Award Dedicated to Music As reported by bb.lv, citing the Ministry of Culture, on Tuesday, October 20, the government of Latvia supported the decision to award Raimonds Pauls the Cabinet of Ministers Prize for his services to Latvian culture. The Ministry of Culture emphasized that the award was given for the maestro's lifetime contribution to the development of music and culture in Latvia, strengthening national identity, and spreading the name of the country beyond its borders. Raimonds Pauls is one of the most famous Latvian composers, whose works have remained popular for decades far beyond the borders of Latvia. In January 2026, the maestro will turn 90 years old. ### What Will the Maestro Receive? The Cabinet of Ministers Prize is considered the highest award from the government of Latvia and ranks second in the state award system after the Order of the Three Stars. At the ceremonial event, laureates will receive an Honorary Diploma from the Cabinet of Ministers, a special badge, and a monetary prize of 10,000 euros. Thus, Raimonds Pauls will receive not only official recognition of his merits but also a monetary reward. ### Who Else Will Receive the Government Prize? Among the laureates of the Cabinet of Ministers Prize is also writer, publicist, translator, diplomat, and public figure Anna Zhigure. She will be awarded for strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between Latvia, Finland, and Estonia, preserving Latvia's cultural and historical heritage, and her long-standing contribution to literature, translation, and journalism. The government prize will also be awarded to the former president of the Latvian Paralympic Committee, Daiga Dadzite, for her significant contribution to the development of sports and the integration of people with disabilities into society. Among the awardees is also agronomist, founder, and long-time director of the agricultural cooperative LATRAPS, Edgars Ruža. His merits are related to attracting foreign investments and increasing Latvia's international competitiveness. The prize is awarded to Professor of the University of Latvia, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Marģers Leja, for his long-standing contribution to the development of oncology, cancer prevention, and early diagnosis, medical science, and training young scientists. Another laureate is Professor of the Rīga Stradiņš University, academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, head of the Hematology Clinic of the Rīga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, Sandra Leiniere. She was recognized for her lifetime contribution to medical science and the modernization of Latvia's healthcare system. ### Who Will Be Awarded Honorary Diplomas? In addition to government prizes, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to award 37 honorary diplomas for outstanding achievements in various fields. Among the representatives of culture, the following will receive awards: - Former director of the Bauska Castle Museum, Māris Skanis, for the development of the museum, preservation, research, and popularization of Latvia's historical heritage. - The team of the project of the Latvian National Library "500 Years of Latvian Book" for their contribution to strengthening national identity and popularizing the history of the Latvian book and written word. - Writer, editor, and chief editor of the magazine Domuzīme, Rudīte Kalpiņa, for her long-standing activity in literature, journalism, and cultural periodicals. - Educator Inta Udodova for the development of professional music education and the creation of teaching materials on music theory. - Art historian Ruta Kaminska for her research, documentation, and preservation of cultural heritage. - Entrepreneur, film producer, and director Andris Ekis for the development of the Latvian film industry, attracting foreign investments, and international cooperation. - Architect, Doctor of Architecture Juris Dambītis for his long-standing work on preserving architectural heritage, including the historical center of Rīga. The honorary diplomas for representatives of the cultural sphere will be presented by the Minister of Culture at a special ceremonial event organized by the Ministry of Culture. ### Why Are Such Awards Given in Latvia? The Cabinet of Ministers Prize is intended to recognize outstanding contributions to the state and society. Honorary diplomas from the government acknowledge achievements in economics, science, education, healthcare, environmental protection, public administration, culture, sports, and defense. Nominations for awards can be submitted by the Prime Minister, ministers, heads of municipalities, the chairman of the Latvian Union of Municipalities, and leaders of public organizations. The Honorary Diploma of the Cabinet of Ministers was established in April 1995. ### Recognition of the Maestro's Contributions The government's decision is yet another testament to the recognition of Raimonds Pauls' immense contribution to Latvia's musical culture. His works have long become part of the cultural memory of several generations of listeners, and the composer's name is known far beyond the country's borders. And although the maestro has received numerous awards throughout his long creative life, this one holds special significance: the state officially recognizes not a single work or achievement, but his entire life path in music. In the year of his 90th birthday, Raimonds Pauls receives one of the highest awards in Latvia—for music that has long become part of the country's history.