Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) rector Aigars Petersons reported a total income of €275,134 for 2025, according to his official public declaration. This figure represents a decrease of €110,773, or 28.7%, compared to the previous year, primarily driven by the absence of payments from pension funds that appeared in his 2024 filing.
Income trends and university salary
While total annual income fell, the rector’s primary salary from Rīga Stradiņš University saw a notable increase. Petersons’ university compensation rose from €183,715 to €194,779 in 2025. His remuneration for work at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital remained virtually unchanged at €16,496.
The overall decline in reported income is attributed to the lack of distributions from pension funds. In the 2024 declaration, Petersons reported receiving €98,200 from the Swedbank open pension fund and €36,800 from the SEB pension fund; no such payments were listed in the 2025 disclosure. Other income sources for 2025 included a pension of €53,282, payments from the Ministry of Finance and the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation, and €1,814 in interest income from bank deposits.
The rector’s financial disclosure reveals a shift in his asset portfolio, specifically a decrease in bond value from €175,000 to €140,000, while his cash savings increased by nearly €46,600 to reach a total of €71,258.
Asset changes and financial obligations
The 2025 declaration outlines several changes in the rector’s property and financial holdings. Petersons owns several properties in the municipalities of Kolka and Marupe, with an additional plot of land in Kolka appearing in the latest filing. He also reported a purchase worth €50,000, a loan received for €20,000, and a loan issued for €15,000. Regarding vehicles, the document lists a 2023 Audi Q7.
The publication of annual declarations of public officials allows tracking changes in income, savings, investments, and the property composition of heads of public institutions. The fluctuation in Petersons’ income highlights how significant financial events, such as pension withdrawals, can skew year-over-year reporting compared to stable salary increases.
What the future may hold
Following this disclosure, observers and stakeholders may analyze whether the increase in university salary reflects broader institutional pay adjustments at RSU. Because the publication of these records is a requirement for public officials, future declarations will likely reveal whether the rector’s cash savings continue to grow or if the current loan activity indicates further investment or divestment strategies. Any further changes in property holdings or debt obligations will be documented in subsequent annual filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the rector’s total income drop in 2025?
The decrease was primarily due to the absence of pension fund payments that were present in the 2024 declaration, specifically the absence of €98,200 from the Swedbank fund and €36,800 from the SEB fund.
Did the rector’s university salary change?
Yes, the rector’s salary at Rīga Stradiņš University increased from €183,715 to €194,779 over the year.
What significant changes were noted in the rector’s assets?
The rector’s cash savings increased by nearly €46,600, while the value of his bonds decreased from €175,000 to €140,000. Additionally, he added a plot of land in the Kolka municipality to his property holdings.
How do you view the role of public financial disclosures in maintaining institutional trust?
