Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!
Good evening, girls and boys!
Good evening, grandmothers and grandfathers!
We welcomed the passing year of 2025 with hope and joy, but also with anxiety and concern – with the quiet question: will we manage? And we did. For those who believed and tried, things have worked out. And if something has not happened yet, then next year – it surely will!
This year has given us many moments of joy and pride.
Pride in the flow that carried us further than expected.
Pride in the wonderful children and youth at the Song and Dance Festival.
Pride in the achievements of our athletes.
We succeed if we work together. If we look for common ground, we find it. Yet we come up empty-handed if we look for an enemy in each other.
This year has taught us that, above all, we must trust ourselves. That no one else but ourselves determine our lives and the life of our country. We are the foundation of our own security.
Security begins with the way we treat ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us.
The choices we make in daily life and also during the holidays truly matter.
We can choose not to swim under the influence. It is within our power not to be indifferent. If we see a confused child on the street, let us stop to help rather than rushing past. Something as small as wearing a reflector on our clothing can make us – and those around us – safer. And it is we who choose whether to support our fellow people, or to tear them down. To stick together or to walk away. That is our choice.
With small steps towards one another, we begin a shared journey. A journey towards achievement. These steps build confidence where it is lacking. When we walk them together, we no longer need to glance anxiously over our shoulder to check if we are doing the right thing – because we are. We are all capable. Whether in Latgale or Kurzeme. We are strong in Vidzeme, Zemgale and Sēlija. Our strength is in Riga and in every place around the world where Latvia is loved.
Dear friends!
The approach of a New Year is always a time of hope and anticipation. We want a glimpse of the future, to know whether things will be all right. And they will! If we are honest, responsible, and willing to help. If we stand by one another. Then we are a great force. Every one of us. So let us begin, and let us do our part straight away. Let us get into a flow that shows us we are capable of more than we imagined. And let us invite our friends, colleagues, and classmates to join us. And also those who expect it least. Those who feel lonely tonight or in their everyday lives. Because we are the best support one another can have.
May the New Year be filled with mutual trust and love for us all!
Happy 2026!