History shows that trust in the Latvian state and its people and supporting one another for the sake of a greater objective has consistently helped us overcome the most difficult of times. This belief and faith have never failed us. It has given us wisdom, foresight, and passion that we have used whenever we faced a decisive moment, said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, at the ceremonial sitting of the Saeima in honour of the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia held on Thursday, 18 November.
“When the world around us becomes ever more unpredictable and uncertain, we must draw strength from within. If we return to our own roots and sources of strength, our identity will not be dictated by external conditions,” emphasised Speaker Mūrniece. “The next year will mark one hundred years since the first convocation of the Saeima started its work. The history of our democracy has been comparatively short, but the principles of democracy and the spirit of parliamentarism are the basis of our country. Let us reinforce them with respectful attitude towards one another and our society!”
Regarding the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mūrniece emphasised that, on a human level, the pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for us, our children, parents, and grandparents. It challenges the ability of us—our society—to cooperate and rely on one another. It is a test of our common sense and critical thinking. It puts the maturity of our society to the test.
“Sooner or later, the pandemic will end, but Latvia will remain. It is important that the war against the pandemic does not irreversibly turn into a battle among ourselves and lead to division and intolerance. Not everything is within our ability to predict and control. However, it is up to us to choose our attitude towards life and the people around us during this time. Everyone is entitled to attention and respect,” said Speaker Mūrniece.
The Speaker of the Saeima conveyed her deepest respect and gratitude to the medical staff working on the front lines of the pandemic, fighting day and night to save people’s lives. Speaker Mūrniece addressed the people who are not yet vaccinated, and urged them to do so, emphasising that vaccines can save lives.
Speaker Mūrniece also expressed particular gratitude to the border guards, the national guard, and our soldiers, who defend our country and, of particular relevance at the moment, the eastern border of the EU and NATO. Unprecedented hybrid operations are currently taking place at the external border in Poland, deliberately carried out by the Belarusian regime on a daily basis in an attempt to flood the EU with thousands of migrants. Provocations have also been directed against Latvia and Lithuania, said Speaker Mūrniece.
It is our duty to protect our country, and we are fulfilling it. Every state begins with its border. Protecting one’s border is a top priority. Currently, our responsibility is even greater. We are protecting not only our own external border, but also that of the EU and NATO, emphasised the Speaker of the Saeima.
We appreciate the contribution of our allies to the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Latvia, and to the Baltic Air Policing Mission. We must do everything in our power to keep contributing to a strong collective defence presence of NATO, as well as deterrence policy, which will help reinforce the security in our region, said Speaker Mūrniece.
“If it seems that, in our society, we are losing the ties that have usually been strong and whose beauty we experienced very recently, during the centenary of Latvia, we must find ways to renew and strengthen these ties. Let us be wise and support, not undermine one another!” urged the Speaker of the Saeima.
Saeima Press Service