Back in the 70s, when the seasons changed calmly outside the window and some (now long-defunct) country was ruled by comrade Brezhnev—who was perhaps not particularly talented, but certainly fond of shiny things—many a grandmother in Latvia would tell her grandchildren how the likes of Vilis Lācis and Andrejs Upīts had once betrayed her Latvia. Naturally, the grandmother meant the independent state of 1918, which we in our families might call by various names—be it the Latvia of Čakste, Zemgals, Meierovics, or Ulmanis, or simply independent Latvia. Those grandchildren who listened to their grandmother and, as far as they could understand, pondered these events, sensed quite well why the name of Latvia sounded so special. It was pronounced in a way that ensured the capital 'L' sounded like a capital letter. Of course, grandmother did not even try to stop the grandchildren from reading the works of Lācis and Upīts, but those books already looked and read differently. Some 50 years later, when one can and must talk about Independent Latvia—and even more so needs to understand what Latvia and independence actually are—those previously acquired insights are very helpful. What has changed? The flag, the anthem, and the political situation have changed, but the style of thinking, perception, and character traits of the individual remain characteristic of the same person.

“Good girl, a Komsomol member,” they wrote 53 years ago... “Excellent activist, defending ideas,” they write now. The difference?

Speaking of the upcoming changes in Europe, which we briefly call the European Green Deal, activists are at the forefront. Professionals, of course, are working, but more quietly, as the workload is immense. Firstly, it seems that the political environment in Latvia is still governed by the inertia and lethargy caused by the virus: “Let’s deal with Covid, then maybe we'll think about...” Secondly, the upcoming elections in less than a year cause and could cause major problems, because every good idea is analyzed not from the perspective of utility, but from a political standpoint. If a great idea is born in the head of a member of party 'W', a member of party 'G', having evaluated the greatness of the idea, will rush to criticize it simply because it is a competitor. Thirdly, the situation regarding healthcare and related security issues forces one to be cautious: if we haven't been able to cope with previously unknown but relatively simple issues in nearly two years, the Green Deal is a process that brings not just the unknown, but massive changes. At present, the responsible institutions do not just raise concerns; they solidify the conviction that they are incompetent and will not be able to cope.

What is important?

Firstly, to think about the interests, future, and sustainability of the Latvian state and its people.

Secondly, to be present where (in Europe, Brussels, Strasbourg, an office, a palace, a sauna, on a hunt...) ideas and decisions are being formed or created.

Thirdly, not to brake, not to postpone, not to delay, and not to pretend.

Fourthly, not to surrender a single inch of land or any Latvian industry for dismemberment (1,2), as VARAM and its sycophantic “activists” are prepared to do with the peat industry.

Fifthly, to find at least 11 professionals in the private sphere in Latvia who are well-versed in the twists and turns of the Green Deal, and to listen to what they have to say.

Sixthly, to sweep every self-styled “expert” out of the public sector, replacing them with those who are knowledgeable and professional.

Seventhly, not only to listen to, but to involve Latvian scientists in the Green Deal processes (in this regard, by no means listening to the Prime Minister’s advice—that the professionals should talk, but we will make the decisions...).

Eighthly, to train those Latvian representatives who work in EU structures elsewhere in the art of public speaking, so they know how to object, disagree, defend, and slam a fist on the table (support from speech professionals at the Latvian Academy of Culture would be very useful here).

Ninthly, for anyone ready to concede something at another’s expense—not their own personal one—to remember (and play back if necessary): “The name of a traitor has a bad reputation!” (Quote from the film “Vella kalpi”).

Tenthly, there must be clarity on how Green Deal ideas have been presented or explained to Latvian society so far. (It is understood that this is solely and exclusively the responsibility of the show host, independent journalist, or independent media outlet as a collective—to invite a professional and expert to speak on an important issue, rather than a “knower” created by the media itself, or simply an activist).
*answers can be written in the comments; we will invite the author of the correct answer to realize the idea
https://www.delfi.lv/news/versijas/laima-zvejniece-60-miljoni-iemeslu-turpinat-kudras-izmantosanu-ari-pec-2030-gada.d?id=53833161
https://www.delfi.lv/news/versijas/inese-vaidere-eiropas-zalais-kurss-uz-prieksu-bet-ar-pratu.d?id=53785753