The final phase of demolition of the last remaining part of the Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders – the 79 m-tall obelisk – at Victory Park in Pārdauga was done by one man, who was operating with two tractors, said Mayor of Riga Mārtiņš Staķis in an interview to LTV programme Rīta panorāma.
«I cannot reveal his name, but he did his job flawlessly,» said Riga’s mayor.
He did not hide that he was concerned the most if the obelisk would fall in the right direction. Construction workers, however, were 100% confident. As a result, he had to rely on their experience and professionalism, as well as the laws of physics, admitted Staķis, adding that the construction workers hired for the job have experience in demolishing tall structures.
The politician said that while construction continues, Victory Park will remain fenced off. It is possible the fenced off perimeter may be narrowed down with time.
The contract with the construction company mentions that all work within the monument’s vicinity is to be completed by 30 June 2023. Staķis predicts work may be completed sooner.
Also read: Final stage of Soviet Victory Monument’s demolition commences – obelisk next in line
Riga’s mayor also said that the first night after toppling the obelisk passed calmly, according to information available to him. At the very least he said he has no information about any serious violations of public order.
As previously reported, in the afternoon on Thursday, 25 August, the biggest Soviet-era monument in Latvia and Baltic states – 79-m tall obelisk – was toppled in Pārdaugava, Victory Park.
The active demolition work at the monument complex commenced on Tuesday, 23 August. The same day three bronze statues depicting Soviet troops were removed. The statue of the woman was removed on Wednesday, 24 August.