The Riga City Council's decision to move forward with the public listing of "Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks" (RNP) did not come easily, as the issue faced scrutiny and opposition in previous discussions. In December, Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks had halted the proposal, criticizing it as rushed and incomplete. He expressed concerns over the company's ability to dictate its own sale terms without considering other scenarios or the interests of the residents. However, in a surprising turn, Ratnieks is now championing the initiative within the council.

Ratnieks has pointed out that while earlier discussions included specific percentages regarding the potential market listing, the current focus is only on preliminary evaluations. He emphasized that this decision is not about immediate listing but rather about preparing the groundwork for the process to begin. This is indicative of a significant shift in the council’s approach, as they navigate the complex landscape of public and private sectors.

Furthermore, Ratnieks stated that the partial privatization of the company is not merely a voluntary political choice, as both the Competition Council and legal experts have concluded that the municipality lacks a legal basis to operate in a market where the private sector effectively competes. This highlights the challenges faced by public institutions in adapting to market dynamics, as they weigh the implications of their decisions on local governance and resident interests.