The security situation in Latvia is becoming increasingly challenging, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Television’s Rīta panorāma on Thursday.
The minister emphasised that there is no reason for panic, but the public must remain vigilant and report any observed potential security threats to the responsible authorities.
In the context of security, Kozlovskis noted that next year’s budget foresees an increase in funding for strengthening the capacity of the State Security Service (VDD), as the scope of its work continues to grow in the current security environment.
The VDD is also expected to receive funding for increasing its staff numbers, enabling it not only to identify various threats but also to address them more comprehensively.
Meanwhile, the strengthening of Latvia’s eastern border, which is of critical security importance, is proceeding “according to plan,” including with significant European investment —
particularly crucial in a situation where the national budget is under financial strain.
At the European level, regarding regulations on migrants and asylum seekers, the minister expressed hope that it will be recognised that Latvia is a country significantly affected by illegal migration pressure.
Kozlovskis added that he sees no benefits for Latvia in the proposal by several political parties to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention; instead, he sees only potential risks and harm to the country’s reputation.
As for how this process might affect relations within the ruling coalition, Kozlovskis was cautious in his comments, noting only that the coalition parties have agreed that, at present, the adoption of next year’s state budget remains their top priority.
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