“We must remain steadfast in our core values—our language, our land, our state, and our freedom. I thank each and every one of you who lives and works in Latvia. Thank you for everything you do for our country. Let us not allow everyday frustrations to divide us or breed discontent. Let us focus on what unites us and propels us towards our common goal and shared dream. Let us dare to dream bigger and believe in ourselves, because Latvia begins with each one of us,” said Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa during her address at the ceremonial sitting of the Saeima on 4 May, marking 35 years since the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia. Looking back to the day thirty-five years ago, when 138 members of the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration “On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia”, the Speaker emphasised that this historic act was the purest expression of the will of the people. “We believed in our country’s freedom from the very moment it was occupied,” she said. “To fulfil this unyielding will, courage was required. The courage to confront the unknown, to change the course of history, to awaken a nation, to stand at the crossroads of time—and rise above it. It took immense courage to accomplish something so great: to return a country to its people. And it took just as much courage to do it asking nothing in return,” Speaker Mieriņa noted, expressing heartfelt thanks to all who believed in their country then, and still do today—to those who kept the dream of Latvia alive. “In every family, the belief in Latvia’s freedom endured. These were values and traditions passed down quietly and preserved from one generation to the next. Red-white-red flags, traditional costumes, the musical notes of our anthem, our folk songs—these were not merely items hidden away. They were symbols of hope. They reminded us: Latvia had not disappeared. She lived on—in silence, in memory, in the hearts of her people,” the Speaker said. “Though 4 May is but one moment in our long history, it marked a new beginning for a nation hungry for freedom. It was a journey home—to our true selves,” said Speaker Mieriņa, stressing that everything now depends on us—on how honourably, responsibly, and respectfully we are able to shape the history of modern Latvia. The Speaker underscored Latvia’s recent achievements: a stable democracy, a developed economy, a modernised health care and education system, and a society firmly committed to safeguarding its security and freedom. Latvia is a member of the European Union and NATO, and its gross domestic product has increased more than tenfold. Speaker Mieriņa also highlighted Latvia’s outstanding athletes, filmmakers, and musicians. “We can take pride in our strong regions, economically flourishing cities, and vibrant rural areas,” she said. But most importantly, she added, “we have made it clear to the world: freedom and democracy are our guiding values—not just words on paper.”
