Many Latvians were surprised to learn that Maestro Raimonds Pauls received the highest — first — degree of the Order of the Three Stars only now, writes LA.LV.
A small discussion also unfolded on social media regarding this. A user with the nickname @teuntagad writes on the platform X (formerly Twitter):
"Did you know that in 35 years, Raimonds Pauls has never received a state award and only now has he become worthy of it?"
Jānis Rudzupuke concludes: "No one submitted a petition. This says something about our society."
Journalist Lato Lapsa even spoke sharply, hinting that President Edgars Rinkēvičs "was whispered to by someone that Pauls has health problems — so if he wants to pose for the palace photographer, this is his last chance."
Dagnija Neimane added an important detail:
"Pauls already has two Orders of the Three Stars. Now he has been awarded the highest — the first degree, which is rarely given to citizens of Latvia."
User @Azlems emphasized Pauls' value to the country: "Overall, this looks a bit dull — Pauls is one of the few who has worked his whole life. His contribution to culture is global. With rare exceptions, he hasn’t meddled in politics. He has consistently defended the Latvian language. This award could have easily been given ten years ago."
Nevertheless, Raimonds Pauls himself seems to rise above all comments and discussions. Although recently the media reported on his health problems and canceled concerts because of them, he once again, in his usual manner, commented on receiving the award with irony. In a conversation with the portal LSM.lv, he admitted:
"I was informed at a moment when the only consolation was that I was still alive."
Now the maestro feels better and has returned to the stage. Recently, he performed at the concert "Shakespeare. Sonnets" alongside singer Intars Busulis and actor Andris Keišs. The President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, was also present at the concert, who expressed his gratitude to Pauls:
"We were all worried when we learned about the health problems. But today, seeing his energy and smile at the concert, I want to wish him creative inspiration and as many concerts as possible that energize him. Indeed — very much."
The maestro himself commented on the award with remarkable ease:
"To annoy Keišs or Busulis, I will definitely wear this order — let them see that an ordinary Latvian has such an award. They will say their piece — and all of Latvian envy will come out in all its glory. Cool!"
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