On 18 October, President of Latvia Egils Levits held the fifth discussion of the debate series "#Satversmei100: future values" at the Krustpils Culture Centre, where he discussed with the youth of Jēkabpils region such important issues for the future of the Latvian state as belonging to one's nation, quality of education, participation in public life and solidarity.
The young people expressed to the President Levits their vision of how the citizens' involvement in the life of the country manifests itself, namely through civic and economic activity, work for the benefit of society, in the non-governmental sector and public administration, and contribution to building a more inclusive Latvian society." We are all building Latvia's tomorrow together as a united society. I am for an equal and just Latvia," said Diāna Zālīte from the 12th grade of Zasa High School.
When discussing the new competences education system, young people criticised the fact that they were not involved in the process and their needs were not listened to. The President of Latvia stressed that in a democratic country everyone can express his or her views, regardless of age. The President also said that no one should be afraid of criticism; a person should be strong and stand up for his opinion, however, one must not only be able to stubbornly defend his idea, but also to listen to the other's arguments and sometimes to acknowledge the superiority of another's idea.
Anna Politkovskaya from the International School "Exupery" emphasized that the future of Latvia is clear and predictable if people care not only for their own good, but also for the common good of society. The President of Latvia agreed, stressing that concern for the good of other members of society is the ideal and duty of a citizen in a democratic country. "Solidarity with society is a fundamental principle of a democratic state, and the common good ultimately benefits everyone," said E. Levits.
After listening to young people's reflections on identity and belonging - how it arises and whether it can be imposed "from above", the President of Latvia pointed out that every country is based on a particular nation, for example, Latvia is a Latvian country, but there are people who identify themselves even more narrowly - Latgalians, residents of Selia, Vidzeme, Maliene, etc. "Belonging to a narrower or broader group is a matter of free choice, but it is important for the existence of a nation that Latvians feel their identity and belonging to Latvia. A person can develop several identities, for example, Latgalian, Latvian, and European at the same time. Different affiliations enrich a person's personality."
The discussion also included reflections on very practical issues, such as caring for the climate, sorting waste, paying taxes, voting in elections from the age of 16, etc.
Undīne Marija Voino (Year 11) from Sala Secondary School, Daniela Čamane (Year 11) from Jēkabpils State Gymnasium, Rolands Lauska (Year 11) from Līvāni Secondary School 1, Anete Gogule (Year 9) from Jēkabpils State Gymnasium, Anna Politkovskaya from Exupery International School, Nelli Morozova from Exupery International School and Diāna Zālīte (Year 12) from Zasa Secondary School took part in the discussion with the President.
The discussion between the President and the young people was moderated by actor Jēkabs Reinis.
