Ladies and Gentlemen!
Conference organizers!
I
You have put a question mark in the title of the conference, and it asks: "Are children really the future of Latvia?"
If we look back at the state policy, then the question mark is appropriate.
Until now, the state child-protection policy has been departmental and fragmented. It has worked with and around the child. But it has not been consolidated as a separate, meaningful policy as part of a broader demographic and family policy.
Individual needs have been covered, but the child as an individual, as a unique personality, has never been the subject of a coherent and focused national policy.
In these years, the diverse and multifaceted interests of children have sometimes tended to get lost between the walls of the departments.
II
I would like to recall the meaning and purpose of the existence of the Latvian State as stated in the Constitution: to ensure the existence and development of the Latvian nation, its language and culture throughout the centuries.
The Latvian nation, Latvian language and culture will continue to exist through the ages only if there are children who will later belong to the Latvian nation, speak Latvian, nurture Latvian culture, pursue the challenges of their lives in Latvia and be ready to develop and protect their country.
III
Every person is important to Latvia and the Latvian nation. This is an axiom. However, this axiom only consists of empty words if its implementation is not based on a targeted national policy.
All too often we refer to people as 'workforce' or 'human resources'. The use of this terminology alienates people. We look at a person as a means to achieve a goal. That, in my opinion, is not right, and it is not right from a constitutional point of view either. The recognition of the human being as an individual is always the ultimate goal, and of course the child is always in the centre.
IV
We must be aware that Latvian families - mothers and fathers - by conceiving children, giving them life, nurturing and raising them, make an irreplaceable contribution to the common good of the Latvian state and the Latvian nation, and provide the foundation for Latvia's future.
Therefore, Latvia needs a well-developed and well-coordinated demographic, family and child policy. Early childhood support policy, which will be discussed at this conference, is one of the components of this policy.
V
Demographic, family and child policy must finally become an important national priority, as the statistics show.
The population of Latvia has already shrunk below 1.9 million. In January 2022, Latvia had 1 million and 876 000 inhabitants. This is still less than in 1939.
We are the only European country where the population has declined rather than increased during the 20th/21st century.
Both Latvian and European Union statistics continue to show a decline in the population.
Therefore, any sceptical objection that tries to say that 'there is nothing we can do to stop the decline in the Latvian population' is disqualifying.
VI
The birth of each child in a family is an autonomous decision.
However, the state demographic, family and children policy can encourage people to have and bring up children through specific support measures. It can also encourage a second, third and fourth child. It can alleviate some of the difficulties faced by parents.
VII
However, there have also been important and successful decisions in recent years. For example, the reform of the Family State allowance, the launch of the Housing Support programme "Balsts" and the Student scholarship programme "Studētgods".
Statistics show that the "Third Child" policy has also yielded results. In 2010, 11.3% of new-borns were born as third children, and by 2021 - 17.1%. In 2021, third and fourth children already accounted for 24.2% of all new-borns.
Therefore, the population growth strategy "FAMILY - LATVIJA - 2030 (2050)" developed by the Centre for Demographic Affairs should also be considered. I thank the Centre for Demographic Affairs for its very professional policy and thoughtful recommendations in this area. Unfortunately, only a small part of them has been implemented so far.
VIII
The aim of the Early childhood support policy of the Interdepartmental Coordination Centre is to ensure the best interests of the child and to develop the child's potential.
It focuses on preventing problems, rather than just dealing with the consequences, as has been the case in the past. It seeks to overcome the fragmentation of policy, as has been the case in the past.
The policy aims to identify and tackle early on the obstacles and difficulties that children and families encounter, or that arise later in school. As such, it should be a highly professional, coherent and coordinated support system.
IX
For this system of support to materialize, the government, health, education and welfare sectors need to work in unison and in close cooperation. There should also be close cooperation with local authorities.
The task of the government and Saeima is to develop the necessary legal framework to establish such a well-coordinated and managed, targeted cross-sectoral policy.
X
Recognising the importance of demographic, family and children policy, I have called for the creation of a ministerial associate for this policy.
Yesterday, the Saeima approved an amendment to the law that makes this possible in principle. Whether it will happen is up to each government. But the principle that our system provides for such a possibility is a big step forward.
The next coalition should decide where the creation of such a post would be more useful - in the Ministry of Welfare or under the direct authority of the Prime Minister, or elsewhere.
There should be a politically accountable official at the level of the Cabinet of Ministers for this policy, and only such an official can develop and implement a coherent, targeted policy in this sector.
We know that Latvia has different policies; we have a foreign policy, a justice policy, a welfare policy. However, the time has come to think about demography, family and children policy as a separate, independent policy sector, because it is crucial for our country.
The composition of government should reflect the government's priorities. I believe that demographic, family and children policies should also be a priority for this and future governments.
The institutional and legal framework must be capable of implementing these priorities. Otherwise, it is just an empty sound.
XI
Latvia is not a very big country. We are close to each other. We can see every child, and we can help every child to live the best life possible.
Children born today will shape Latvia in 20 years.
Today you will try to address the issue of early childhood support and the structure of Latvia's demographic, family and child policy.
I wish you a successful and insightful conference!