On Tuesday, 5 April, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, emphasized at the annual Conference of European Union (EU) Member State Parliament Speakers: “Latvia’s goal at present is to fulfil the requirements of the Maastricht Treaty and to join the euro zone in 2014. That is why Latvia supports initiatives that promote stability and competitiveness in the euro zone.”

“Issues related to the future of the euro zone are important for all European Union member states, and they need to be resolved by all the member states together. Therefore, we view positively the conclusions of the last European Council which offer comprehensive measures to overcome the consequences of the crisis and to ensure the future stability of the euro zone,” said Āboltiņa at the conference.

With regard to surmounting the economic crisis, the Speaker of the Saeima pointed out that Latvia was able to avoid bankruptcy by persistent work and by observing three principles – stability, partnership and responsibility.
 
“The state budget for 2011 clearly shows that the economy of Latvia is starting to rebound. While two previous budgets can be characterised as crisis budgets, this one is a stabilisation budget,” said Āboltiņa during the panel discussion on the economy. She explained that state expenditures have been cut significantly, and one-forth of the state budget has been earmarked for development.
 
The Speaker pointed out that the reason for the crisis in Latvia was the neglect of basic economic laws and irresponsible policy, but currently the economic indicators continue to improve. “Latvia shows one of the fastest growth rates in manufacturing and exports in Europe. These achievements are the result of the government’s and the parliament’s doing their job persistently, step by step, despite scoffing, criticism or even opposition,” said Āboltiņa in characterising the situation.
 
From 3 to 6 April, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, is on a visit to Brussels to participate in the Conference of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the EU and to meet with EU officials.
 
 
Saeima Press Service
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