In Riga, Latvia, city officials have decided to close 10 kindergartens as part of a broader plan to reorganize educational institutions in response to a notable decline in the child population. Currently, there are over 20,000 children enrolled in preschool education in the capital, with more than 2,000 available spots. Despite several collective requests from residents to preserve four specific kindergartens, the council voted against these proposals, citing the need to optimize resources and better allocate funds towards existing educational facilities.

The city has acknowledged a sharp decline in preschool enrollments, with reports indicating a decrease of more than 40% compared to 2017-2018. This decline varies across different neighborhoods, with some areas experiencing drops of 50% or more. The local government believes that instead of maintaining underutilized facilities, the funds should be redirected to better support the remaining kindergartens, teacher salaries, and educational environments. Furthermore, it was promised that all children would have a place in nearby preschools despite the closures.

Opposition parties have criticized the city council's decision-making process, arguing that the restructuring of educational institutions has taken place without adequate consultation with stakeholders. There are suggestions that the spaces left by the closed kindergartens could be repurposed for day centers to assist families in the community. The council has also stated the importance of having preschool education available in the Latvian language across all levels, reinforcing the need for an efficient and practical approach to managing educational resources in the city.