Latvia: Pres. Rinkevics holds inauguration speech in parliament

Latvia’s new president, Edgars Rinkevics, held his inauguration speech in the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, outlining his vision of a “strong, modern, just, and safe” Latvia, on 8 July 2023, LSM reports. The President noted that Latvia was one, yet not homogenous, and stressed that the rights of every person must be protected. Latvia’s biggest problems were demography and inequality, Rinkevics noted, calling for investments in education, health care, and affordable housing. He emphasised that the fight against corruption, crime, and cartels must be a “national priority.” Rinkevics assured that Latvia’s foreign and security policy would remain unchanged, while noting that national security was indivisible. Latvia would continue to support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom until final victory, and continue to fight against Russian imperialism, he assured. Read a full English translation of the President’s speech on LSM.