One lesson to learn from previous parliaments is just how important it is not to lose track of the big goal, to prevent it from drowning in everyday distractions. A hundred years ago our ancestors set a goal for themselves – to build a free and democratic Latvia. The parliamentarian path was picked to accomplish it. A difficult but correct path was picked. A path that has largely dictated what kind of people we are, what kind of country we have and what kind of country it will become a hundred years later, said Saeima speaker Edvards Smiltēns at the festive meeting of the Saeima dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Latvia’s parliament and Constitution on Monday, 7 November.
«We have to remember about democracy, its importance and values especially in times when authoritarian regimes cause the world enormous damages,» said the Saeima speaker, mentioning that history proves – democracy can save countries and nations from extreme or erroneous choices, from which it is sometimes impossible to get out.
Smiltēns stressed that nearly 1 000 deputies have worked in the Saeima across the years – people different in their beliefs, representing different people, but all working to form a closely tied, multi-sided political cloth that reflected Latvia’s society across those years. «Every era has its own difficulties and challenges for people to overcome. We are strong, and we are responsible for protecting our country every day,» said the Saeima speaker, mentioning that the biggest challenges for Latvia still come from the political regime in Russia.
«We hope the Russian-Ukrainian war, Russian war crimes in Ukraine, genocide, terrorism against Ukrainian civilians will open people’s eyes to the reality of the Russian regime. We can see the only way to oppose Russia’s imperialistic regime is for the free and democratic world to unite. Latvia and the Baltic Region, together with Ukraine, have a special mission to support the Ukrainian nation and prevent the world from entering the grey compromise zone,» said Smiltēns.
«The Saeima is never not ready. It continues growing and developing. It has never been separate from the ongoing processes in society, the party system and civil activities. Different times, sure, but the idea of the power of the people, of the right to one’s own opinions, ideas and convictions remains alive despite the difficulties,» he said.
«We have to earn our dignity. We have to do this through comprehensive and fair decisions and through respect for our voters, Latvian citizens and respect of each other in the Saeima,» said Smiltēns.
Also read: Politician previously found having insufficient Latvian language skills enters 14th Saeima
One hundred years ago on 7 November, 1922, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia gathered for its first meeting. The first meeting also marked the coming into force of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia.
Saeima speaker: Latvia’s biggest challenges will come from Russia’s political regime
