Riga - The latest instance of using shoes as a means of political expression occurred in the Latvian capital Riga on Thursday, when demonstrators from the Baltic state's second city, Daugavpils, delivered 100 pairs of used shoes to members of parliament.

"We're here today because we don't agree with the situation in our country. Prices are becoming higher but our wages remain low so it is impossible to survive," a demonstrator named Veronika told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

The shoes were scrutinized by security staff before being delivered to the parliament building.

The use of footwear to make a political statement took off when Egyptian journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at then US president George W Bush during a visit to Iraq in December 2008. He was hailed as a hero by some and inspired copycat actions around the world.

However, the handful of demonstrators who had made the three-hour journey from Daugavpils to Riga denied Muntadar al-Zaidi had influenced them.

"We're delivering our shoes to members of parliament because that's about all we have left to give them," said Valerijs Oscenkovs, who works in a travel agency after being forced to close his own business.

"Latvia is nearly bankrupt because we don't have any exports. We don't have any products. We only buy, we don't sell anything. There is no work. How can the government raise taxes if people don't have any work?" Oscenkovs asked.

Daugavpils has been particularly hard hit by the reversal in Latvia's economic fortunes, Oscenkovs said, with its factories closed and few prospects for young people.

"About 70 per cent of young people in Daugavpils go abroad to Sweden, Germany, the UK - anywhere. They need money to feed their parents and families. It's the only choice they have. They can't go into higher education because they can't pay for it," he said.

The Riga demonstration follows a protest held in Daugavpils on February 21 when around 400 residents lined up to throw shoes at a picture of Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis, who has since resigned, partly as a result of Latvia's dire economic prospects.

Valdis Dombrovskis has been named as Godmanis' likely successor and is currently attempting to form a new coalition administration. (dpa)