Stakis believes that dismantling of Soviet-era monument should be started this year

• Published date: 13 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

RIGA, May 13 (LETA) - Riga Mayor Martins Stakis believes that the work on dismantling of the Soviety army monument in Riga should be started already this year, and it would be fair if the costs are covered from the government budget.

s the monument is a matter of the national security, the local government, the government, Saeima, security institutions and the police should work on this matter together.

The Riga City Council today made a political decision on demolishing of the monument, but a special law should be adopted to ease all the bureaucratic procedures.

The local government also should start work on financial issues.

Stakis said that the local government will accept the money donated for the purpose by the society, but a special council decision is necessary on accepting this donation.

Speaking about what might be built in the place of the monument, Stakis said that a proposal has been added for the city development department to prepare a report on the matter. There has been a proposal on a park of peace, but lawmakers and experts still have time to come up with more ideas.

Stakis thanked all Riga City Council lawmakers on their vote on dismantling of the monument, also those lawmakers who voted against it.

"It is clear that the society...