Today, 14 July, the ruling coalition in Latvia supported the proposal from the Ministry of Defence on the adoption of state defence service. Now the government and partners need to go through discussions with society, as journalists were told by Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš.
There are many questions about state defence service (VAD). The Ministry of Defence will continue developing this idea to let residents know how they can assist with enhancing Latvia’s security, said the PM.
Kariņš stressed VAD is must be adopted because Latvia needs numerically larger defence forces that «guard our democracy and freedom».
Minister of Transport Tālis Linkaits stressed the Conservative party fully supports Ministry of Defence’s vision to have VAD adopted as soon as possible.
People have a lot of questions about VAD. Answers must be provided. At the same time, Russian-Ukrainian war leaves Latvia with no time for delays with matters involving state security, said Linkaits.
Saeima deputy Jānis Vitenbergs added that his party – National Alliance – is prepared to assist with development of this idea, which currently has many unanswered questions in relation to the state of Latvian citizens who live in foreign countries and the form of cooperation with professional army. At the same time, the deputy said the National Alliance presented a similar offer in 2017, but it was ultimately rejected.
Minister of Health Daniels Pavļuts also mentioned all partners of the coalition agree VAD is needed. Future discussions will focus on the terms within which such a system would be adopted. It is also important to consider how discussions will be conducted with residents.
«Deterrence is largely in our own hands. Considering that in times of major developments – such as 2014 and now – there has always been a great surge of interest for service in the National Guard and regular army, it will be necessary to ensure an increase of battle-ready residents every year and their capabilities every day,» said Pavļuts.
In July Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks announced that due to the threats created by Russia and the need to improve the troop recruitment system, the ministry will propose adopting VAD in Latvia.
The modern system has exhausted its potential, Pabriks said, adding there is no reason to expect a change in Russia’s behaviour.
It is planned for VAD to be adopted gradually, over a course of five years.
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