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“It is statehood that will uphold Latvia. Our nation can only thrive if our state thrives,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Monday, 18 November, at the ceremonial sitting of the Saeima in honour of the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.

The Speaker underlined that an unprecedented wave of patriotism surged among Latvians because of the War of Independence. The victory in the Bermontian offensive cemented the Latvian State and confirmed the strength of the people; it strengthened the spirit of our people. The War of Independence showed the world how important the newly established state was for Latvians, who had to confront not only the Red Army and the Bolsheviks, but also Russian and German mercenary armies, said Mūrniece.

Likewise, the people's desire for freedom and their own country toppled the inhumane and absurd Soviet occupation regime that had lasted fifty years. In the preparations for and celebrations of the centenary of Latvia, we have re-established many severed and dear ties linking us to the early years and inter-war period of our country, we have boosted our national self-esteem, stressed Mūrniece.

The Speaker of the Saeima noted that the prerequisites for the existence of the Latvian people are a democratic, sovereign state consolidated by national identity and self-determination, built upon the foundation of our national culture and the Latvian language, as well as self-respect. In this country, Latvian is the language of communication for the whole society—it is the state language—and it deserves its rightful status and honour, urged Mūrniece.

In her address to the Members of Parliament, the Speaker of the Saeima asserted that our country has three main medium-term and also long-term tasks: to considerably improve the demographic situation, to develop effective governance and economy, as well as to create goods and services that can be successfully sold around the world. "It is our joint responsibility to strengthen our country. Every Saeima and every government must remember that its main goal is the sustainability of Latvia," said Mūrniece.

During the address, the Speaker of the Saeima also stressed the benefits brought by Latvia’s close integration in international organisations. "Our membership in NATO is of particular importance. This year marks the fifteenth anniversary since we joined the political and military alliance, and it is one of our greatest achievements in foreign policy since the restoration of independence. The NATO-allied Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia makes every one of us feel more secure," said Mūrniece. Our European Union membership protects us, helps our country prosper, and allows us to be part of the Western culture and democratic value space where we naturally belong, emphasised the Speaker of the Saeima.

Delineating the country’s further development and opportunities for international cooperation, Mūrniece indicated the possibility of a new kind of ‘Hanseatic Leagues’ forming in the post-globalisation era, uniting developed countries of limited size, such as the Nordic countries and the Baltic States. "For this very reason, striving towards Nordic standards is farsighted and appropriate, and it is a viable objective if only we clearly define our tasks and work on them unrelentingly," noted the Speaker.

"On the anniversary of our country, let us thank everyone who devoted their effort to Latvia for it to become more prosperous, fair and strong. Let us thank everyone who loves and strengthens Latvia and who is ready to grow together with this country," said Mūrniece.

The Speaker of the Saeima concluded the address by asserting that today is ours and tomorrow remains a task for all of us. What will always stay with us are our roots from which to grow and our wish for our soul to always be here in Latvia.

Address by the Speaker of the Saeima: https://www.saeima.lv/en/news/saeima-news/28457-address-by-inara-murniece-speaker-of-the-saeima-at-the-ceremonial-sitting-of-the-saeima-in-honour-of-the-101st-anniversary-of-the-proclamation-of-the-republic-of-latvia

Saeima Press Service