"Economists Association 2010" Spring Conference

The solutions of the demographics and migration problems will be one of the most important issues for the Economists Association 2010 evaluating parties preelection programs.

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During the session "Depopulation as a threat and challenge" while listening to the State Regional Development agency analysts Jānis Bruņenieks and  Social Insurance Department Director of the Welfare Ministry of Jana Muižniece, members of the association concluded that the demographic situation in Latvia is critical - aging society, people emigrating from the country. This problem needed a political solution long time ago. "Pensions are not guaranteed, we have a low education level, the number of people is falling. What can people do in this situation? - Go to places where these problems are solved! “ -  explained Edmunds Krastinš who is following the demographic situation for decades.

"It is unrealistic to align the critical situation with the child birth rate", said Jānis Bruņenieks. The solution lies in a controlled immigration policy, changes in the Citizenship Act and in the higher education system. Economists recommend to review the issue of dual citizenship, while a higher education level would encourage the inflow of foreign students, and additional intellectual capital to stay in Latvian.

The conference participants also discussed the issue of businessman involvement in politics. The founder of the association “For better Latvia” Ieva Plaude - Rēlingere also took part at the conference. "I want to go into detail and understand how to include the Latvian economics into overall business in Europe and how to develop it further.

Association member Juris Cebulis believes: "Many of the issues won’t be solved by economists or politicians – it will be the society’s ability to negotiate - are we ready to sacrifice for a better future."

"National economic growth should be hold - 3% -6% a year", shares his vision of the politicians main task in national economic development Ojārs Kehris. "In faster growth conditions - to store up, but if the growth approaches zero to put the stored up money in economic warming".

Issues discussed at the conference will be raised to the politicians in terms of evaluating parties preelection programs for the upcoming 10th Parliamentary elections.