It is necessary to change the mindset of the armed forces - Prime Minister 0 11

When asked about the possibilities of controlling how rationally the defense budget is spent, for example, "whether weapons and armaments are being purchased for past wars," Silina replied that these are very complex issues. Therefore, a lot of time is often spent discussing them in closed sessions in a secure negotiation room. "It is also necessary to change the mindset of the armed forces...," the head of government acknowledges.

When asked if this mindset has changed, she responds that it has partially. "It takes time. There are NATO plans, the army is guided by them, and no one wants to question them. But the reality is that the situation is changing very quickly, as evidenced by the experience of Ukraine," she emphasizes.

The Prime Minister notes that it is good that the Latvian armed forces have created a training center for the use of drones and are adapting their capabilities, "but it is clear that besides electronic warfare, heavy military actions cannot be ruled out, if they occur at all." "We are preparing for war to be ready for peace," she summarizes.

In the interview, the politician was also asked why the denouncers of the Istanbul Convention abandoned their intentions, even though they had actually already voted for denunciation. "Perhaps the Prime Minister managed to convince them," Silina speculates. "We certainly talked to them," the Prime Minister notes, responding to the question of what was promised to them.

Silina believes that the denouncers were primarily scared of the people.

The Prime Minister was also asked who came up with the idea to promote the budget, to which she replied that the Ministry of Finance makes such advertisements every year, but this year decided to broadcast them on the radio as well.

"I think we also need to develop our patriotism more, to be proud that Latvia is a country where, in such difficult geopolitical conditions, we are able to preserve the Latvian language, transition to a unified language in schools, adopt such a defense budget, and protect ourselves from illegal migrants," adds the head of government.

When asked if she will lead the government until the Saeima elections, she replies that it depends on what decisions will be made, but at the moment there is no news, and "New Unity" does not plan to nominate another candidate for the post of Prime Minister, and has also clearly stated that it will not work in another government with another Prime Minister at this time.

When asked if she is ready to continue leading the government after the elections, Silina admits that it will be difficult. "We need to look at the ratings," she says.