Latvia's internal security has long been left neglected - Levits

RIGA - Latvia's internal security has long been left neglected, President Egils Levits told Latvian Television this morning.

Despite the recent high-profile crimes, Levits is convinced that it is safe to live in Latvia. At the same time, he agreed that these tragic events draw public attention to the question of how safe it is to live in Latvia.

The President reminded that after the last meeting with Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity), the interior affairs system was announced as a priority, expecting that it would also be reflected in the state budget.

"Internal security has never received special attention. If the National Armed Forces have truly become strong after 2014, then the police, border guards and other security services have unfortunately been neglected. And that must change, we cannot wait long," Levits said.

The President expressed hope that during the autumn budget negotiations, politicians will take this into account and there will be an increase in funding for the interior affairs sector.