Liene Ozoliņa, a tenured professor at the Latvian Academy of Culture and a leading researcher at the Institute of Culture and Arts, expresses concerns about the economic landscape of Latvia since the 1990s. She emphasizes that many discussions about real issues such as poverty, insecurity, and inequality are often overlooked. According to her, Latvia has been living in a state of perpetual crisis, which is manifested in the prevailing economic and social difficulties faced by the populace.

In her interview, Ozoliņa highlights the notion that economics remains a social science rooted in specific ideas and values, yet, seemingly detached from the pressing realities of everyday life in Latvia. She asserts that the liberal democracy in the country is functioning increasingly poorly, signified by the rise of populism and discontent among the electorate. This situation reflects broader concerns about the efficacy of governmental institutions and the trust citizens place in them.

Ozoliņa's detailed exploration of the neoliberal processes affecting Latvia sheds light on the relationships between the state and the individual, as well as the intersections between nationalism and neoliberalism in the context of cultural policy and artistic innovation. Her insights call for a reevaluation of the economic strategies employed since the 1990s, urging for an understanding that genuinely addresses the socio-economic challenges faced by the Latvian people.