Latvian Political Monitor

💬 After meeting with the Prison Administration leadership and visiting prisons, I have become convinced that security cannot be ensured only with stricter rules. A modern framework is needed to help reduce violence and criminal influence, while preserving a person's ability to maintain contact with their family. This is exactly the balance provided by the amendments supported by the government. ➡️ The bill will next be forwarded for consideration in the Saeima.

Security is not just a defense issue. It is also a strong judicial system, trustworthy institutions and the state's ability to ensure due process under any circumstances. That is why we are currently: 👉 strengthening the independence and capacity of the judiciary by introducing the institution of court lawyers and expanding the role of the Council of Justice; 👉 reducing the workload of the Latgale District Court by distributing part of the immigration-related cases among district courts across Latvia; 👉 improving the regulatory framework so that safe and lawful Saeima elections can be held even in the event of a security threat. Today, we discussed these and other issues of the development of the justice sector with the President Edgars Rinkēvičs.

@Vinotava @Eisenfaust0 @janisdombrava Knives are kept like in a kitchen (in the case of Mucenieki, a shared kitchen) not under mattresses.

@Vinotava @Eisenfaust0 @janisdombrava I am not saying that the found knives immediately mean they are murderers. Not at all. It raises questions, given the tragic situation in Europe and Scandinavia. One example that has not been publicly discussed anywhere - why, when they are apprehended, razors, knives, awl-like items are found?

This makes one think how 'friendly' those asylum seekers really are. Very good that @janisdombrava has shaken up this progressive entry, which would obviously result in a tragedy in one day. There can be no discussion about that. https://t.co/hSiQ1FnXjC

⚖️ On 10 June, at the meeting of the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) justice ministers, the main topic was democracy resilience and the readiness of the justice system for crises. During the meeting, we discussed with the ministers: ▫️continuity of the courts' operation in emergency situations, ▫️support to Ukraine, ▫️challenges posed by organized crime, ▫️strengthening the rule of law in the region. 💬 “The resilience of democratic institutions is directly linked to state security. Courts must be able to continue working in crisis situations while preserving judicial independence, procedural guarantees, and the principles of the rule of law. Public trust in the state is directly based on the belief that justice is accessible to everyone under any circumstances.” ℹ️ The NB8 cooperation format involves eight countries – Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The format promotes close cooperation and exchange of experience in strengthening the rule of law, security, and democratic institutions.

@rolandsozolins But logically, I have something to compare with. After 4 years of work in the National Security Commission, having seen and discussed in closed meetings, now finally there is visible progress in Latvia's ability to take care of our security.

🛡️ The foundation of national security is public trust in Latvia. Trust in the state's ability to act when needed. Today, a drone that entered Latvia's airspace as a result of Russian electronic warfare was successfully neutralized. This is proof that our defense system is finally working, decisions are being made, and Latvia's security is being protected. Trust in the state begins when people see that the state is able to protect its borders, its airspace, and its people. Thank you to the National Armed Forces and our NATO allies for professional, precise, and decisive action. 🇱🇻

I consider it my duty to obtain full information about what happened – I have instructed the Prison Administration to submit information by June 10 about the circumstances of this case, other cases of death and suicide in places of detention, as well as about the measures taken to prevent such cases. https://t.co/NsrGfEqYFg

Given the complex geopolitical situation, it is important to pay increased attention to the security of states, meaning both military defense and investments in cyber security and the fight against disinformation. We discussed these issues with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Osmočesku https://t.co/c9r6XEz8Cn

Any new political initiatives, when forming the budget, must be linked to one of the main priorities – security, healthcare, education. Budget spending must be rational, sustainable. https://t.co/mIpELNlfxx