Edvards Ratnieks, Deputy Mayor of Riga (National Alliance/Latvian Association of Regions), points out that these objects glorify the communist totalitarian regime and Russian imperialism and celebrate Russification.
"Today, of course, such ideological symbols are unthinkable in Riga, in independent Latvia. Even more so when we see that we are next door to an aggressor state that is waging war in its neighboring country. Now to glorify the history of this country, the people of this country who have strengthened its various manifestations both against the Latvian people and against other nations - this is no longer acceptable," Ratnieks believes.
The Riga Monuments Board plans to consider the fate of the objects in a few weeks. However, the Council's decision is only advisory. The final decision will have to be taken by the politicians at a meeting of the City Council.
The Monuments Council invites the National Heritage Board to express its views, which will provide its vision before the Council meeting. Of the eight sites that are now considered for removal, only the granite monument for the writer Sudrabu Edžus is protected. This means that it can only be moved, not removed. The fate of the other sites can be determined by the municipality.
