Rinkēvičs Remembers Demography Ahead of Saeima Elections 0 13

The security of Latvia, demographics, and competitiveness remain priorities regardless of the upcoming elections, President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated at a press conference on Tuesday.

He emphasized that even in an election year, the government, the Saeima, and the president must work together on three key tasks - strengthening internal and external security, implementing demographic policy, and enhancing the competitiveness of the state, including in the field of education. The president noted that he maintains political neutrality and does not evaluate the work of the government or Prime Minister Evika Siliņa ("New Unity"), as it is an election year.

Commenting on whether the current government is functioning fully or has effectively become a technical one, the president refrained from making an assessment, stating that he has maintained political neutrality since the first day of the election procedure. Rinkēvičs emphasized that the government is operating in the context of an election year.

The president expressed satisfaction with the dynamics of increasing defense spending, urging not to forget about internal security as well. Regarding demographics, he noted that at the Riga Castle, a discussion on issues in this area will take place again a year after the first discussion on March 6, where an assessment of the work done will be provided and further tasks will be defined.

Rinkēvičs emphasized that during the election period, political parties should propose specific ideas for strengthening security and demographics. There are seven months left until the elections, and the work on forming a new Cabinet of Ministers will begin on October 4.