Riga, 5 November 2022 (dpa/MIA) — In view of the current geopolitical situation and the energy crisis, larger cities in Latvia do not want to organize public New Year's Eve fireworks this year. The mayors have agreed on this in informal talks, the head of the Association of Major Cities of Latvia, Viktors Valainis, told the Leta news agency on Friday. If a city decides otherwise, however, it will not be stopped from doing so. According to Valainis, many people enjoy fireworks at the turn of the year, but out of consideration for the many war refugees who have come to Latvia from Ukraine, who might feel uncomfortable with the loud bangs, public fireworks should be cancelled this year. Furthermore, municipalities must also consider the energy crisis and necessary cost-saving measures, Valainis said. Possible available funds should therefore not be used for fireworks but to support those in need, according to the Latvian municipal representative. The agreement only applies to public fireworks. In previous years, the larger cities in the Baltic EU and NATO country always organized fireworks to herald the new year. In the capital Riga, the spectacle was broadcast on television. At the last two New Years, however, such fireworks were cut back because of the coronavirus pandemic. Private firework displays aren't common in Latvia.