Latvia's foreign policy needs to 'come down to earth' - LPV politician

RIGA - Latvia's foreign policy needs to "come down to earth", said MP Linda Liepina, leader of the Saeima faction of the opposition Latvia First (LPV) party during Thursday's foreign policy debate in the Saeima.

The MP expressed the view that this year's foreign policy debates are no longer just about Ukraine, NATO or sanctions, but "about what we think about the US." "If anyone here still thinks that the European Union or Europe as a whole can defend itself without the US, keep dreaming. You cannot!" These were the words chosen by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to address members of the European Parliament," said the MP.

In Liepina's view, Latvia's foreign policy today needs to "come down to earth" in order to realistically protect Latvia's economic and security interests. "Our security depends on NATO and NATO's main military strategic partner, the US," said the MP.

The LPV, whose leaders regularly praise US President Donald Trump, believes that being with the US means strengthening Latvia's security, while being against the US means weakening it.

In her opinion, the Progressives, who currently hold the important position of defense minister in the Latvian government, stand out as "critics of the US president." Liepina said that Latvia must choose security and the closest possible cooperation with the US. Liepina called for the creation of a "broad US-friendly coalition" that would not include the Progressives. In her opinion, Latvia needs a US-friendly government.