Levits repeatedly stressed the need for "Latviskums" or "Latvian-ness" in the civic and public spheres, and offered some criticism of the pace and effectiveness of the government's reform program.
He also outlined his recent demand for a law renaming all streets that refer to Soviet or Russian figures and institutions, even those with no political connections, arguing that they infer Latvia belongs to the Russian cultural space.
Following his oration he was given polite applause and several bunches of flowers before exiting the chamber. His term in office ends July 8, after which Edgars Rinkēvičs will take up the reins.
