Analytics, Crisis, Economics, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia

At a press conference today, where the EPP was to report on the results of its meeting in Riga, Daul stressed that Latvia had done very much to exit the crisis, and that other EU member states should follow Latvia's example, writes LETA.

Daul also thanked the Latvian nation for not taking to the streets, as it would have probably happened in France, for instance.

Daul repeatedly praised Dombrovskis, characterizing him as a calm and composed person, and wished him every success in the upcoming Saeima elections.

Dombrovskis also said at the press conference that some things from Latvia's experience of dealing with the crisis could be useful for other countries.

Latvia's MEP Krisjanis Karins (New Era) said that Dombrovskis' decisions had been right, because they produced positive results and halted the economic downturn in Latvia.

That is why people should vote for a prime minister who has proven himself, and a prime minister who has the EU's backing – to vote for other candidates would be voting for the unknown, said Karins.

In Karins' opinion, other political parties in Latvia make many populist statements and speak about very important matters in a very general manner, whereas Dombrovskis talks frankly and precisely about what the current situation is and what he plans to do in the future.

As reported, the "Radisson Blue Daugava" hotel in Riga for two days hosted a meeting of the EPP, the EP's largest political group, to discuss the effects of the economic crisis and the lessons provided by Latvia for Europe on how to overcome the crisis and stabilize the economy.

Leading members of the EPP group in the EP attended, as well as EU Commissioner for Energy Gunther Oettinger, Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, Dombrovskis, Economy Minister Artis Kampars (New Era), Unity Chairman Girts Valdis Kristovskis and Co-chairwoman Solvita Aboltina, Latvian MEPs Sandra Kalniete (Civic Union), Karins and Inese Vaidere (Civic Union), as well as various experts and economic analysts.