Latvian Foreign Minister Edgar Rinkevich has decided to remind once again of the “Soviet occupation”
The foreign minister posted his message on Twitter in two languages – Latvian and English.
“We celebrate the defeat of Nazism together with Europe and remember the victims of the Second World War. Thanks to those who fought against Nazism, restoring freedom in many European countries, reminding the world that Latvia and the other Baltic States regained their independence from Soviet occupation much later.”
Today, May 8, is Memorial and Reconciliation Day, which is the Western equivalent of Victory Day. Latvia does not celebrate the Russian Victory Day but celebrates the “Day of Europe” on May 9.
It should be added that Jānis Dombrava, a Saeima member from the right-wing National Bloc, has threatened Rīga Mayor Martins Stakis with certain “consequences” – in case this May 9 is held in the city as it was last year.
“May 9 will be a test for Martins Stakis. If last year’s permissiveness is repeated, the consequences will be felt both in the Duma and the government”, – the nationalist threatened on Twitter.
But doubts about what MP Dombrava said were expressed even by his associates.
“What are the consequences? Will the Duma freeze in terror and the government fall?” sneered journalist Elita Vejdemane, known for her hatred of the May 9 holiday.