Dear Latvians, all patriots of Latvia,
I
In the last few weeks, the future fate of the object left behind in Pārdaugava by the Soviet Russian occupiers has been debated.
I would like to emphasize that the decision on which historic symbols we wish to keep or not, how we shape Latvia's historical memory in general, is a decision to be taken exclusively by our own society.
II
The object in Pārdaugava is not a mute witness of history. It has always been a symbol of Soviet occupation. Here the Red Army drove out the occupiers from Nazi Germany, whilst itself establishing the Soviet occupation regime. It lasted for another 45 years and took tens of thousands of innocent lives. We did not invite either occupier into our country.
III
This object has long since been a tool in the hands of the autocratic regime of Russia.
Rather than a place to commemorate the fallen, this object is where pride is expressed for belonging to Putin's "Russian World". The imperiallistic narratives and world view of the Kremlin are publicly manifested here.
However, after 24 February, this object left behind in Pārdaugava by the occupiers has gained an additional meaning. The events of the past week also show that it can inspire some to extreme actions glorifying Russia's war crimes in the public space.
IV
Public manifestation of the imperiallistic "Russian World" ideology and glorification of war criminals has no place within a democratic society. The war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by Russia have drawn a clear line.
For Latvians, for patriots of Latvia regardless of their nationality the object left behind in Pārdaugava by the Soviet Russian occupiers is a vivid symbol of the occupation of Latvia and the military aggression launched against neighboring states by Putin's Russia. It embodies contempt for European values and the foundations of our state.
Democratic societies do not take pride in war criminals. They are brought to justice for their actions and condemned.
V
Therefore, this object of the Kremlin's propaganda must be dismantled.
Therefore, the decision of the Riga City Council is correct.
The timeliness of this decison is attested by the response of Latvia's society, which has donated more than 240,000 euros for the dismantling of the object, and on 20 May patriots of Latvia are organising a march for our state to free itself of all types of Soviet legacy.
VI
The toxic radiation of this object goes beyond the borders of a single municipality. Therefore, it would be important that the Saeima take a decision on its dismantling by adopting a law and thus removing all bureaucratic obstacles to the implementation of the decision taken by the Riga City Council. All of the involved parties - the Riga City Council, the Saeima and also the government - need to act in concert, decisively and in the name of a common goal.
VII
In Latvia, we condemn the crimes perpetrated by the Nazi and Soviet totalitarian regimes. In Latvia, we commemorate and honour the victims of World War II, including all fallen soldiers.
Our position is clear: justification of totalitarian regimes is impermissible, as is justification of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.
The object left behind in Pārdaugava by the Soviet occupiers must be dismantled.