“We have fought for an opportunity to live in our own free and democratic country several times. Yet the 21st century poses new challenges that call for democracy to be protected every day. Especially when we are going to implement our self-determination once again by participating in the election to the 13th Saeima. As we approach the 6th of October, we will increasingly experience some efforts to influence the outcome of the election through a variety of methods both lawful, partly lawful, and illegal. Therefore, we must be ready to strengthen our values and defend the free and unaffected choices of every inhabitant of Latvia,” emphasised the President of Latvia.
President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis will open the discussion at the Riga Castle. Ms Žaneta Ozoliņa, Professor of the University of Latvia, will moderate the discussion. Mr Mikael Tofvesson, Director of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), will present the Swedish experience and lessons learned, current threats, and actions. In his turn, Mr Andreas Kaju, Partner from the Strategic Communication Agency META Communications will share the Estonian experience.
Ms Guna Šnore, Senior Expert of NATO Strategic Communication Centre of Excellence, will inform the participants of the discussion about how Latvia is preparing for the election. In her turn, Ms Gunta Sloga, Executive Director of the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence, will remind about the role of the independent press and non-governmental organisations in pre-election time. In conclusion, the audience will have the opportunity to comment the presented opinions and engage in discussion with experts on democracy and security issues during the pre-election period.