EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Society

Vejonis stressed that it was the peoples’ desire for freedom that brought the Soviet occupation regime to an end. The president believes that ethnic minorities played a major role in restoring Latvia’s independence as people were united in the common struggle for essential values – Latvia and freedom.

Vejonis also noted in his speech that people are Latvia’s greatest asset and that it was therefore essential to ensure that everyone felt that they belonged to Latvia regardless of their ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

The president also seized the opportunity to call on those residents of Latvia who have not yet become Latvian citizens to consider naturalization.

“It is especially important that parents register their children as Latvian citizens. It is very easy to do. I believe it’s time to stop giving non-citizen status to the children who are born in Latvia,” the president said.

“In our diversity, we can be more open to the rest of the world and make use of all things new and progressive that it offers. Let’s respect each other in our diversity and honor our homeland Latvia together,” the president said.

As reported, President Vejonis earlier came up with a proposal to grant Latvian citizenship to all non-citizens’ children upon their birth.