Honourable Madam Speaker of the Saeima!
Honourable Madam Prime Minister!
Honourable members of the Saeima!
Honourable Members of the Supreme Council!
Dear patriots of Latvia!
Dear people!
The beginning of May in Latvia can vary from year to year. Some years, at this time, patches of snow may still linger. This year, we have already experienced several summery days. However, on 4 May 1990, the lilacs were in bloom. Carrying purple and white bouquets in their hands, proud and hopeful people stood outside this very building, waiting to greet the deputies of the Supreme Soviet. A convincing majority had just voted IN FAVOUR of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia. We owe our sincere gratitude to the Supreme Council of that time and the 4 May Declaration Club. For their courage, for their daring, for their ability.
At that time, behind the Supreme Council stood Latvian patriots. They had shown that they wanted to decide and do things themselves. Their desire to speak Latvian. Their desire to nurture their own culture. Their desire to seek truth rather than five-year plans. Their aspiration to build Latvia, not to prop up a crumbling empire. Thank you to each one who, over these thirty-five years, has safeguarded, shaped, and genuinely loved our Latvia.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Today, we live in an anxious, noisy era, where rumours, half-truths and sentences taken out of context spread quickly and take hold. Both around the world and here in Latvia. The world security and economic order are currently in free fall. And we do not know where and how this world will land. Yet in this anxious era, in this noise, we must each keep a cool head, gather our composure, and respond with decisive action.
Yes, we have many friends and allies around the world. But even friendships can change over time. During such moments, our strongest foundation is our own determination, our own decisions, and our own deeds. But the most powerful weapon of all is our own courage. And it does not depend on the choices of other countries, because in decisive moments we have proven that we have everything – both will and courage.
When meeting with people across Latvia, I am often asked – what can I do, and how can I help make Latvia stronger, safer, and greater? And to every Latvian patriot I want to say what I have often said – this is the defining moment of our generation. It is time to act. We must grow stronger – both literally and figuratively. The National Guard. National Defence Service. Participation in civil defence training. Working with integrity. Offering help to those in need. If each of us takes even a small but genuine step toward making our country safer, we will find ourselves safe not at some vague point in the future, but here and now. Not because someone else has decided so, but because it is our will. Not for the sake of someone else, but because a safe, independent, and democratic country is what we need. And what our children will need.
Dear friends!
Thirty-five years ago, we were able to unite for a common goal. A goal that is more important than everyday disagreements. And that goal was for a free and independent Latvia. I am convinced that we can do it today as well. We are just as capable today.
Back then, we had only a vague idea of how a free state functions. There were many illusions about how democracy works. Only the elder generation retained memories of life before the occupation. We had a dream. Merely a rough sense of what freedom and democracy meant. And what it would take for an entire society to live and relearn the fundamental principles of democracy. But most importantly – we had hope, and we had will.
We have achieved a lot. And this cannot be underestimated. But there have also been disappointments. For what has not been done, for the fact that not all dreams have come true. There is bitterness about inequality. Yet hope endures. For a better future. For a safer future. What we need to regain is will. The will to get things done. The will to find a way to achieve a result, rather than every now and then making excuses that something cannot be done.
Over these thirty-five years, we have become more knowledgeable. We have grown more prosperous. We are safer. We have many trustworthy allies. We have young people who have never experienced an occupation. Young people with an enviable sense of freedom and justice. We have grown in almost all the most important indicators. Except one thing – we are becoming fewer.
That is why I extended a special, heartfelt thanks to all parents who care for their future, and for the future of us all – for the children. Thank you for setting aside uncertainty and becoming, in one person, experts in medicine, education, and workplace safety, all in one. Being a parent is an exceptionally important role. May this message of gratitude also serve as a reminder to all present that we must work to make it easier for families with children and for more people to choose this important task.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests!
When Latvia regained its independence, I was seventeen years old. I can quite rightfully say: “When I was growing up, it was not like it is now!” And that is a very good thing! It is good that today we are living our own dreams – not someone else’s nightmares. Let us preserve that time of “when I was growing up” in history books, stories, and archives. We will preserve the time “when I was growing up” in history books, stories and archives. Let us never forget it, so that nothing like the Soviet occupation never happens again.
But today, we celebrate the 4th of May – the restoration of our country's independence! Because to celebrate and to rejoice is just as important as to protect. Let us spend time with our loved ones. Let us congratulate even those neighbours with whom we have never exchanged a word.
Let us share joy with strangers. Because the goal is the same for all of us. We are not strangers. We are all one people! We are Latvia.
Happy celebration of our Freedom!
