Prime minister urges Latvians to build a strong, united state

Every Latvian citizen, along with members of parliament and the government, should work toward the shared goal of building a strong and united state, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said in remarks reported by LSM at a parliamentary ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of Latvia’s de facto restoration of independence.

Kulbergs, who represents the United List, said citizens should demonstrate their love for Latvia through their work every day.

Latvia marked 35 years since the Supreme Council adopted the constitutional law On the State Status of the Republic of Latvia on August 21, 1991. The ceremony was attended by former Supreme Council members who voted to restore independence, the president and representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps. Before the session, lawmakers laid flowers at the Freedom Monument.

The parliamentary chair said that openness is the strength of a democratic state. Kulbergs said Latvia understands the importance of independence more clearly today than it did in 1991. Former president Zatlers called on people to recognise Latvia’s achievements.

The 1991 decision was adopted despite occupying forces’ armoured vehicles rumbling in Dome Square and an army helicopter circling above the parliament building. August 21 marked the beginning of the country’s actual restoration of independence, restored the Constitution and separated Latvia’s legal space from the Soviet Union.