Unfortunately, I must admit that the lack f cooperation and national thinking was observed among the government and the political parties in this respect alongside the desire to help. The political parties try to increase their popularity in most cases, by manipulating irresponsibly with the issues of national significance in favour of improving their rating. Very often, they also forget how compassionate and ready-to-help our society is.
I am dissatisfied with the work of the government in tackling the issue of refugees so far. The government has not explained the situation either to the public or to its coalition partners resulting in acute lack of information. Uncertainty and concern are the reason why the political parties and individual politicians chose the easiest way by refusing to participate in solution of the problems and choosing to ignore them and dividing the society at the same time, thus increasing uncertainty and speculations.
What assistance will we provide to refugees? Where will they be accommodated? Where will they work and how will they integrate into the community? These are only some of the questions we must be ready to answer regardless a voluntary or politically binding decision of the European Union Member States on placement of war refugees.
Of course, all the policies and actions of Europe require improvement, and Latvia must contribute thereto. The new situation imposes entirely new requirements in many areas like strengthening the southern border of the European Union, internal security of the European Union, and exchange of information, cooperation among enforcement bodies, and contribution of the European Unions to strengthening of the regions affected by the crisis. The European Union must have a long-term political objective to stabilize the neighbouring regions and to achieve that a part of the refugees could return home.
However, the question what to do with the people who have already reached Europe and who flee away from the war-ridden countries requires immediate response. Latvia as a state and the Latvian politicians will not be able to avoid decision-making protractedly. It is our turn to assist jointly this time instead of looking for excuses why not to do so.
Therefore, I ordered the Cabinet of Ministers to produce a clear government action plan on placement of refugees in Latvia in collaboration with the political parties, local governments, and non-governmental organizations in two weeks. I call to explain both the potential costs and the institutional capacity, opportunities for refugees to be accommodated, to learn the language, and to enter the labour market. I also expect that the national position of Latvia shall be approved by September 21.
I urge all the political parties to work together and be constructive in this process! We, the Latvian people have always been sympathetic to persecuted and suffering people, who are turning for help in despair. On this occasion, we cannot stay aside, when people are endangered.
Solidarity and joint decision-making are the strength of the European countries. The current issue of refugees is not the first and not the last major challenge that we face. Still it is the most important issue to be addressed jointly now, and a decisive action is awaited from us as a European country.