On Tuesday, the 27th of June, Latvia’s President Egils Levits met with public representatives in his final speech as president. In it, he stressed the role of the president in ensuring Latvia’s longevity.
Levits mentioned that, according to him,
the four most important pillars of longevity – national security, Latvianism, democracy and competitiveness –
and everything done in these areas should be continued.
In regards to security, Levits said that during his presidency “Latvia’s security in NATO collective defence system has increased even more”.
The president especially outlined the efforts of top Latvian officials in convincing NATO allies to dispel illusions about Russia and change NATO’s defence strategy.
Levtis also said
“foreign policy is one of the vectors of our defence policy,” this is why we cannot lose our “foreign policy influence and visibility”, which Latvia received after the start of the war in Ukraine.
“We understand better than our western allies what we are dealing with and what we must do!” said the president.
According to Levits, Latvia should continue efforts to have the country elected to the UN Security Council to create an international tribunal to “investigate and punish the Russian aggression and crimes in Ukraine”. The president mentioned Latvia’s practical aid to helping Ukraine become a NATO member states after the war an important foreign policy objective.
Levits mentioned that integration in Latvia should be based on Latvianism with Latvian language as a language of democratic participation, understanding of history and Europeanism are the foundation.
“All this forms the Latvian perspective on the world,” stressed Levits.
The president also mentioned the seven steps “that should be linked to ensure Latvia’s competitiveness”. These are: school education, higher education, science, research, innovation, manufacture and exports.
In conclusion of his speech, Levits thanked Latvian residents for the opportunity to serve his country for four years.
“I am grateful to my political advisors and all employees of Riga Castles for the passion, dedication and cohesive teamwork! I am grateful to all the many people I’ve had the honour of meeting and working alongside. I am grateful to all associates and constructive critics with whom I’ve been able to share opinions,” said Levits.
Levits also said his political motto motto has always been working for Latvia’s benefit, from the time of exile and Awakening, and in all positions thereafter. He promised to continue working for Latvia’s benefit.
Also read: Latvia’s New Unity plans discussions of education and healthcare-related topics this week