Dismantling of Soviet-era monument in Victory Park is inevitable - PM Karins

• Published date: 06 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

RIGA, May 6 (LETA) - Dismantling of the Soviet-era monument in Victory Park in Riga is inevitable, the only question is when it happens and how, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) said in an interview with TV24 channel Friday.

The prime minister said that the monument to the Soviet army essentially glorifies Latvia's occupation which is why it has no place in an independent country.

"It appears that the situation has ripened, as the prevailing public opinion is that there is no place for the monument here. So we just have to find a way, when and how," Karins said.

Karins said that members of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee are currently reviewing the matter, analyzing it from various angles. The prime minister voiced confidence that the lawmakers will find a solution for removing the monument.

The prime minister said that the image of Russia has been changing also in the eyes of Latvia's Russian-speaking population, including thanks to the ban on Russian TV channels, which has reduced the influence of Kremlin propaganda. Karins therefore believes that the monument issue is no longer as divisive as before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Now everything is black or white. Supporting Russia means supporting the murdering, raping and killing civilians in Ukraine. Not supporting this means supporting freedom and democratic values. This relict of the occupation times can be regarded as some sort of a reminder that has no place in our country anymore," Karins said.

s reported, the Conservatives group in the Saeima has tabled a draft decree intended to advance the plan to dismantle the Soviet-era monument...