We were the 'Baltic Tiger,' but then we got scared: former Prime Minister of Latvia 0 6

Emsis believes that overall we started very well, namely — we returned the state back to the point where we were occupied. “We returned property, legislation, and began to re-establish our old state. Not a new one, but the old state that was already created in 1918. Speaking of privatization, it was a very necessary and very difficult step. Because we had very little experience in this area — but who had it back then?” Now, looking back, Indulis Emsis admits that we missed a lot. “We could have attracted foreign capital to large Latvian enterprises faster.

We needed to be bolder, but back then it seemed like we were afraid, thinking we could manage on our own. As a result, large enterprises — VEF and others — went under.”

Emsis, however, reflects that from the position of Minister of the Environment, it was actually good work because all the massive pollution created by Soviet industry was eliminated at once, and suddenly we got a green Latvia. “It was an ecological, not an economic success. Although there were certain economic benefits because later we were paid for being so green. That is no longer the case. So there was no harm without good.” In conclusion, Emsis emphasizes that there were mistakes, but they were objective — largely because we used international aid too little.

Speaking about whether capitalism was introduced too rapidly and harshly in Latvia, Indulis Emsis says — shock therapy was necessary, no matter how painful it was. “It should be remembered that during the transition from socialism to capitalism, no one had any experience, and the situation required quick actions.” Emsis has always respected bold actions in politics, even if they lead to mistakes, rather than stunted inaction.

“At that time, the slogan was important — less government. Away from leftist socialist thinking. Which, by the way, is still relevant today.”

When asked if it was possible to act faster in the language sphere back then, Indulis Emsis replies — hardly. “Starting already from the barricades, we had no right to create any antagonistic division. We needed to think about internal security, and security means compromise. Today we often forget about that.”

At the time when Indulis Emsis was Prime Minister, Latvia was the 'Baltic Tiger.' “We were clearly ahead of both Lithuania and Estonia, not to mention Poland. Problems began later when we were to some extent overtaken by leftist politics, when excessive cautious tactics began — just to avoid mistakes and avoid the so-called oligarchic infection. The critical moment when this began was the dissolution of the Saeima. Zatlers dissolved a very high-quality, functional, and knowledgeable Saeima.” Indulis Emsis believes that this was a “totally erroneous” action.