‘Government of Latvia was one of the first European governments to quickly and decisively adopt crisis rescue package,’ underlined Egils Levits in a phone call about government business support efforts. ‘However, I believe parliament should approve a new minister for economics, who can build a team of opinion leaders and economists with strategic vision around him, as soon as possible. Proactive and efficient Ministry of Economics is what our country needs most right now. Political parties should rise above their party interests.’
President Levits and Minister Reirs also discussed how public investments could stimulate the economy. ‘Apart from crisis rescue package, government departments, analysts and practitioners should already start preparing the economic recovery package that can be launched as soon as virus is under control. Solidarity among these stakeholders and their collective creativity is crucial,’ said the President.
Egils Levits and Jānis Reirs talked about dialogue and communication with the public. President Levits pointed out that media also need emergency support: ‘We need to act proactively to overcome crisis and strengthen the democratic system in the long run at the same time. Reliable, honest, plural media are what our democracy needs, not a luxury.’
President and Finance Minister of Latvia acknowledged the input of proactive local governments in alleviating the impact of crisis on local residents, for example, by arranging home delivery of free school meals to pupils of disadvantaged families. Egils Levits and Jānis Reirs agreed that local municipalities will play a key role in overcoming and recovery from current crisis.