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At decisive moments, the people of Latvia have been able to unite in the name of common goals and to put their state and its future above everything else.

Twenty-one years ago on 21 August 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopted the Constitutional Law on the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia. This is a very significant date for our people and our state because it de facto ended the process of restoring the independence of the Republic of Latvia. On 21 August a true independence of Latvia was renewed, and the state that was founded by our forefathers in 1918, kept in the hearts of Latvian people during the hard years of occupation and safeguarded by standing shoulder to shoulder at the Barricades was restored.

On the 21st anniversary of the restoration of Latvia’s independence, I invite everyone to recall the founding of our state, the time when we lost our state, and the love towards Latvia which we felt during the restoration of its independence and its return to the family of democratic and free countries. These thoughts and attitude will give our state the new impetus that is needed to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all of us.

While still overcoming the economic crisis, we have repeatedly proved our ability to be united in the name of a common goal and to put the interests of the state above our individual interests. Furthermore, when reforms and strict fiscal discipline are still high on the European agenda, we have managed to reduce certain taxes, and for the first time since 2007 as a result of a well-considered economic policy, we are able to amend the budget by allocating additional funds to our priority goals. Undoubtedly, that is an achievement and proof of our growth.

However, strict fiscal discipline or reliance on foreign support is not the key to our success; the key is the ability to make changes with our own hands. Every individual is important — those living in Latvia and abroad — because we are Latvia. The strength of the roots which we have put down in this state, regardless of where we live, will determine our future and the future of our state. The growth of Latvia once again needs the support of everyone and the willingness of our people to take this path together.

We are the ones who jointly shape our everyday lives and write the history of our state, which will be handed down to our children and grandchildren. My wish is that Latvia will become a place where people can live in safety, stability and prosperity.

Let us celebrate this day and honour our Latvia together!