zemeunvalsts.lv commentary

Unfortunately, phrase-mongering, poster-style politics, and a clearly visible culture of pretence have returned to Latvian politics – things that we hopefully swept away into the dustbin of history 30 years ago. Once again, unwelcome events, laws, and actions are being pushed and manoeuvred under the guise of "we are Europe, therefore..."

As a system component, VARAM vividly symbolises the 21st-century peculiarities in Latvia that are conveniently ignored within the culture of pretence publicly (namely – we know what is happening, we do not even agree with it, but we do not speak about it because...).
We talk about cooperation but ignore those directly affected by the ministry's actions. We talk about compensation, pretending that it must be earned by others: we will restrict and forbid, but the money will be earned by "them, the others, the wrong ones" etc. We talk about sensible policy, but we implement stricter and more nonsensical regulations than those provided for at the European level. We talk about the greed and money-grabbing of landowners while getting involved in numerous and various even more lucrative projects. We talk about science, but instead of scientists, we listen to high-calibre public relations specialists who are "prepared to talk a desert into existence in Latvia". We ramble about the economy while acting to ensure Latvia becomes poor, undesirable to its people, and empty. We take responsibility for nothing! We paint beautiful posters, receive European and local funds, and... we ramble, we prattle, we exert influence.

Has any VARAM employee considered the prosperity of Latvia's inhabitants, regional development, the situation of landowners, economic development, etc. Namely – outside of Peldu and Baznīcas streets does ordinary, human, non-legislated common sense and reason operate, or does a bare and history-reminiscent poster-calculation prevail over everything? Are VARAM's slogans concretely and understandably analysed, taking into account the situation in Latvia not only in Riga, on the cobbles, or in Vērmane Garden, but also where those who maintain VARAM work... Because there is a clearly visible difference between an opinion, foolishness, and deliberate folly.

This week, after long discussions, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission reached a provisional agreement on the European Climate Law. The ambitious objectives contained therein, including the climate neutrality target, are already reflected in Latvia's climate policy planning documents. The climate neutrality goals are also planned to be included in the forthcoming Latvian national climate law, confirms the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM).