During the annual Saeima foreign policy debates, politicians stressed the importance of increasing Latvia’s security, as well as increasing funding for the defence sector.
The leader of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) faction in the Saeima Harijs Rokpelnis, speaking on behalf of the faction, reminded that this year’s budget is a security budget.
In his speech, he said there is no military threat to Latvia at the moment. At the same time, Russia continues complicating the situation, so all efforts should be put into strengthening domestic and foreign security.
Rokpelnis said that, considering the existing geopolitical situation, financing for the defence sector should be increased. At the same time, it is important to make sure resources are used as rationally as possible.
Combined List member Edvards Smiltēns said it is clear people are currently living in a time of constantly growing geopolitical tension.
“Russia is on war economy rails. This year they will invest 8% of GDP in defence,” he said.
Smiltēns emphasised that defence spending should be increased, with increased security risks, up to 5% of the gross domestic product in NATO defence is adequate for the situation.
“Latvia and the Baltic States are, of course, leading by example here, but we will also have to grow in this,” said the politician, explaining that energy independence from Russia should be further enhanced.
The politician also stressed tighter cooperation with US.