One of the first reactions to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was that the section of Antonijas Street near the embassy of the Russian Federation in Riga was quickly renamed the Street of Ukrainian Independence. Now the idea has surfaced to rename Moscow’s Garden into Latgales Garden. But what about Maskavas Street, which spans 16 km across Latvia’s capital city?
In his conversation with BNN, Riga City Council deputy, member of the National Alliance Jurģis Klotiņš voiced a strong opinion that the name change is a strong mental resistance to Russian aggression and so
Maskavas Street should be renamed Latgales Street along its entire length.
Some residents of Riga are against of such a change, because they believe it is necessary to preserve the street’s historical name. Klotiņš, however, stresses why such historical names must not be kept in Latvia. «I believe in this situation we no longer have to look for arguments to defend the belief that Maskavas Street is a historical name in Riga.»
«Even this historic foundation – the imperialism of Moscow Dutchy has caused much harm – has no place here. We don’t need Moscow’s name to be engraved in Riga.»
«Russia’s imperialism, which started with Moscow, remains, only now its called differently. It has caused great harm to Latvia across different centuries. Russia’s imperialism was renamed USSR once, now it’s called ‘Russian world’. Now we see atrocities being committed against the Ukrainian people and the country is being destroyed.»
Klotiņš also notes that one important aspect the city should keep in mind is that renaming the street means additional expenses. «Maskavas Street is very long. This means major costs for private owners that manage buildings and the municipality, because it will be necessary to replace all address plaques.»
He also said the municipal administration needs to organise related rules before the street can be renamed. It is also necessary to develop binding rules for the replacement of plaques.
The city council’s deputy says after the street is renamed, the municipal administration will need to procure new address plaques and install them where necessary. Where the municipal administration will not be able to install new plaques, private persons will have to do it themselves. He adds that the renaming procedure will be easier if plaques are supplied by the city council. No accurate information is currently available for the possible costs, but a unified procurement would cost a lot less than individual plaque orders.
Although replacement of address plaques for a 16 km long street could cost a lot, Klotiņš stresses that Latvia «cannot look only at the costs». «In this historic situation we have to keep in mind that our life is becoming more expensive because of sanctions and even symbolic acts create expenses. The change of the name of Antonijas Street section with the Russian Embassy, I believe, was an act of mental resistance.»
«We help Ukraine by sending them arms and constantly mentally fighting Russian aggression.»
Because in the end it is a political decision, it will have to be made through a vote in the city council. «This decision should not be postponed!»
Riga Committee for Names of Places and Urban Objects is responsible for changing names of locations in the city.
Read also: BNN INTERVIEW | Historian: Russia’s supporters in Latvia consider the hoisting of Ukraine’s flag a provocation