Mūrniece: Latvia has to protect democracy from populist threat

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Latvia has to protect democracy, a value that's a constituent part of our country, said Saeima Speaker Ināra Mūrniece (National Alliance) in an address to the Latvian parliament and cabinet on Latvia's 100th birthday, November 18.

She spoke in a special meeting in the Latvian National Theatre, where the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed a hundred years ago. 

"They say that each generation has to relearn and rediscover democracy. It's most important to understand that democracy can only exist if there's a rule of law, while populism strives to ignore this framework," she said.

"To strengthen democracy, we have to strengthen the rule of law. And we can do this only by lawful means," said Mūrniece. 

"Latvia too has been affected by political populism, which accepts [making] promises of a better life without any basis as to how this better life will be ensured," she said.

Mūrniece also used the address to say that Latvia's independence is a miracle as there are but a few countries that have been able to re-emerge independent after a long occupation.

She urged every Latvian to protect their country and re-instated that the best way to defend Latvia is working side by side with NATO, as well as the US, Canada and the European allies. 

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