“Courage of our people and support from our allies enabled Latvia to take one of the most significant historic steps 25 years ago – to regain independence and its rightful place on the European map. Today, I extend gratitude not only to the people of Latvia but also Europe as a whole; and the European Parliament is a proper place for that,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Wednesday, 6 May, at the European Parliament during the opening of a ceremonial event devoted to the 25th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia.

In her address to the audience, the Speaker of the Saeima reflected on Latvia’s achievements during 25 years of the regained independence. “This has been a period of transformation, growth and consolidation. Latvia has joined the family of Western nations and currently fulfils the duties of the presiding country of the Council of the European Union. The EU presidency is also a symbolic confirmation that Latvia is a full-fledged EU member state,” said Ināra Mūrniece.

Likewise, Speaker Mūrniece emphasised that Latvia has assumed the EU presidency at a historically critical time. “Freedom and peace in Europe are being challenged, and it is our – the European leaders’ – responsibility to take the right decisions to protect our freedom.”

In the framework of the ceremonial event, the Saeima supplemented the contemporary art collection of the European Parliament with an artwork Three Forms 01 by Kaspars Teodors Brambergs, nominee for the Purvītis Art Prize. Furthermore, a concert was given by Laima Jansone, player of Latvian string musical instrument kokle, who, together with Artis Orubs and Andris Grunte, gave an audio-visual performance of traditional music in a modern arrangement.

“Latvia is a small country on the world map, but when it comes to culture, we are an inspiring superpower. Latvia regained its independence through songs – in the Singing Revolution. Therefore, a concert at the European Parliament is the best way to celebrate the anniversary of renewal of Latvia’s independence and to extend our gratitude to our friends in Europe,” said the Speaker of the Saeima, adding that Latvia is home to a multitude of ambitious artists.




Saeima Press Service