Madam Speaker of the Saeima!
Madam Prime Minister!
Dear Mr Īvāns!
Dear Ms Čebotarenoka!
Members of the 4 May Declaration Club!
Distinguished guests!
I believe we are all here today to reflect on a significant milestone – to look back on the long journey we have undertaken as an independent Latvia. To remember who we were, who you were on the eve of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
From today’s perspective, it may seem that 35 years ago was the perfect and right time to demand what is ours – our freedom, our independence, our democracy. But that is how it seems today. That is how it seems to those generations born in an already free and independent Latvia.
Even then, there were many reasons to think and to doubt a little. There were many reasons why perhaps some might have stayed in the comfortable darkness of the Soviet era. There was much uncertainty. And let's not deny it – there was also fear. It was by no means an ideal time. However, it was the right time. Action had to be taken, and the Popular Front of Latvia called for that. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia did it. The people did it. This is an event that is inscribed in golden letters in the history of our country, the history of Latvia.
Today, I want to say a big thank you to all those who voted for independence, for not being afraid. For being able to see the goal and set aside small disagreements and differences of opinion.
A lot has been accomplished since then. In critical moments, we have made the right decisions, and it is exactly for that reason that today we are a full and respected member of the community of democratic nations. We can speak our minds without fear. We can sing and listen to songs that are important to us. We can write and read about events that matter to us, about our values.
However, just like 35 years ago, this is also a time of change. And once again, many of us feel uncertain about the future, as the world is in turmoil. We are even more aware, more clearly, that what we have fought for must be protected. We have allies. We must support the fight for a democratic, free, and independent Ukraine. Because it is also a fight for a democratic, free, and independent Latvia. And we know that our primary goal and task is the security of our country. Our main goal and task is the survival of our nation. In fact, these are the same goals that many of you were driven by when you stepped forward, overcame fear, worked hard, and achieved results.
The time for important decisions and important work is by no means in the past. The time for important work is now. Is this the ideal time again? Of course, it is not. But this is our only time. Therefore – the right time. Let us not fear the uncertainty and turn the uncertainty once more into achievable goals. Let us dream of those goals, but also take action to make them attainable.
There is one thing that perhaps sets us slightly apart from the time 35 years ago. Back then, those who made the decisions, those who worked, were thinking about how to achieve things, how to reach goals, how to get things done. Now, however, discussions often revolve around why we cannot do something. Why it might be easier to stay where we are. Why it’s easier not to act, because something might go wrong or perhaps, we might not do something correctly. And I believe, that this mindset needs to change. We must return to that distant 1990, to that atmosphere, and collectively think about how to make these goals – our country’s security, independence, the survival of our people – achievable once again.
We are here to reflect on what has been done. But more importantly – we are here to look in the mirror. I believe this is a discussion not only about how things were, but also about how things will be and what needs to be done. Where do we want to go? Therefore, I wish the participants of the conference to look at the past in their discussions, but also to see the goals we are striving towards together. Together, we must move forward with those we agree with and with those whose opinions may differ from ours in everyday matters. And finally, we must once again find the same courage to act! Thank you!
