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Solvita Aboltina.

Residents of Latgale, who are living near Latvia's eastern border and "have suffered from excise tax amendments", previously sent an open letter to Aboltina demanding that the Saeima speaker apologize for her recent statements on television, writes LETA.

"We are deeply shocked and perplexed by the second highest state official's interview with the "PRO100TV" television channel on February 8, when the Saeima speaker compared part of Latvia's residents to marauders who were shot without trial or investigation during the war," emphasized the authors.

In her letter, Aboltina explains that she has always emphasized and highly appreciated the special significance of Latgale. "Latgale has a special place, both in terms of culture and history – with its characteristic ancient cultural traditions – language, craftsmanship, which form an important part of Latvia's national culture, as well as with its distinctly deep and religious traditions, particularly the Virgin Mary Ascension Day celebrations in Aglona. Latgale has a huge potential for economic development and it must be fostered at various levels," points out the politician.

Aboltina also informs that a government task force has been set up according to Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis' (Unity) decree that will tackle negative long-term economic, social and dempographic trends in Latgale. The task force's action plan must be presented to the prime minister by March 20.

"Investments, short-term and long-term measures are required for Latgale's development. However, tax evasion used to solve individual economic problems can under no circumstances serve as a basis for Latgale's economic growth and prosperity" emphasizes Aboltina.