The society awaited the entry into the European Union with great hopes, so that Latvia would become a modern and democratic country.
The ex-president is convinced that we have not used all the opportunities provided by the European Union. “There were tens of millions that we didn’t get. They just didn’t get it because the projects weren’t prepared, we weren’t able to prepare them and present them to Europe, which is regrettable.”
Vaira Vīke-Freiberga pointed out that Latvia lags behind neighboring countries in several indicators.
“I am ashamed of it. I don’t know how other people feel about it, but I am ashamed of it. I worked so that Latvia would not be in such a position. For eight years, I did what I taught or what I could. I think there were results. But I stressed. I work very hard. If future generations take life easier and think that there is no need to stress, then those are the results,” said the ex-president.
She pointed out that there are too many stalled and unrealized projects in Latvia. Vīke-Freiberga offers her perspective on how the situation could be improved: “Let’s think ahead a bit. Not only until the next elections. This is axiom number one throughout Europe and throughout the democratic world. Latvians can be such wonderful athletes, such wonderful musicians, our writers , poets gain recognition in the world. Why can’t we reach that level with projects?”
“Latvia can! We have to work there. But we need someone there who has passion and vision, and who is ready to stress and make an effort,” said Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga.
Tags: ashamed Latvias unused opportunities
