Education and Science, Labour-market, Latvia, Markets and Companies

Andris Berzins in Rezenkne school, 1.02.2012.

"Arguing about language will not get us anywhere. It will not create new jobs," said the president.

Concluding his working visit to Latgale, Berzins met with Rezekne residents at the Rezekne City Council today, as the President's Press Office informed LETA.

Berzins told the local residents that he had been to Rezekne many times, and knew that people living there had always been enterprising. "I believe that the European Union's border regions have very good development opportunities. If industrial facilities can be built here, and funds attracted from other countries, Latgale will have new jobs and development that it needs so much," said the president.

The people who came to meet with Berzins asked him questions about the pending education reforms, possible changes in public administration's structure, the language referendum, restrictions on the amount of excised goods that can be brought to Latvia from third countries, and about the development of the sports infrastructure in Rezekne.

President replied that only competitiveness would ensure Latvia's development, ensuring that people will not be emigrating anymore.

As for the referendum, Berzins reiterated that Latvian had to remain the only state language in Latvia, also adding though that knowledge skills these day were a necessity for learning new skills and for competition on the job market.

As for the reduction in the amount of excised goods that residents can now bring into Latvia from third countries, Saeima's decision is not to be questioned, because there is no justification for legalizing contraband, said Berzins. However, measures must be taken urgently in Latgale to help the province reduce unemployment and foster its economic development.

Berzins also said that he would meet with Education Minister Roberts Kilis next week to discuss the planned reforms to the education system.

In conclusion, Berzins stressed that he would continue debate on giving local governments more rights.

"My goal in this job is to not promise unfeasible success, but to do actual work, so after my four-year tenure the people in Latvia would feel that their lives are really improving," said Berzins.