The founder of the fast-food restaurant chain LIDO, Gunars Kirsons, stated that Latvians need to raise their self-esteem and confidence. In his opinion, only then can Latvia reach the level of countries like Switzerland and stop constantly returning to issues of language and nationality. The entrepreneur shared this in the program "Accent" on YouTube.
His parents were exiled to Siberia during the USSR era, where he was later born. Despite the hardships, his father, according to the businessman, never instilled in him a dislike for Russians.
The entrepreneur recalls that his father always spoke to him about the importance of mutual understanding and respect. He believed that a Russian person has a sense of honor, which is why he preferred to do business with Russians. At the same time, Kirsons noted that modern realities, in his opinion, have already changed significantly from previous notions of honor.
He also emphasized that his father taught him to see a person in people first and foremost, rather than their nationality. However, in Kirsons' view, the topic of relations between nations in Latvia has become overly politicized over time due to historical traumas and past events.
Speaking about the future of the country, the entrepreneur expressed concern that Latvians may continue to leave Latvia in search of a better life abroad. As an example, he mentioned his son, whom he did not allow to move to Spain with his girlfriend, as he believes that young people should stay and develop their own country.
"I told him - are you a man or not? Only in Latvia. Otherwise, we will all scatter, and in 200 years, what will be here?" Kirsons reflects.
Leave a comment