EU flag burners lack arguments

Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, condemning the burning of the European Union flag by opponents of the euro by the Freedom Monument on July 4, says that this act show theirs inability to engage in democratic dialogue as well as their lack of arguments against the implementation of the euro in Latvia, reports LETA.

“I condemn the activities of the so-called ‘euro skeptics’ burning the European Union flag. I believe that this action does not only show their inability to engage in democratic dialogue, but also their lack of arguments against the implementation of the euro. I can only regret the actions of the participants, who decided to compensate for their lack of arguments with hooliganism,’ Dombrovskis said through his press secretary Martins Panke.

The ‘Latvia for the Lat’ association held a rally at the Freedom Monument protesting against “the introduction of the euro without the nation’s consent,” during which a European Union flag was burned.

The European Parliament on July 3 voted in favor of Latvia’s membership in the eurozone. The membership will be a historical turning point in the country’s history, and will also serve as confirmation of the strength of the eurozone, said European Parliament President Martin Schulz after the vote.

613 MEPs voted in support of the resolution on the adoption of the euro in Latvia, while 67 voted against.
The European Parliament president expressed the point of view that eurozone membership will offer Latvia many new benefits if the country’s leaders make the right decisions.

“In many cases, Latvia can be seen as a brave example for troubled eurozone countries,” Schulz said. The resolution praises the efforts of the Latvian people in overcoming the financial crisis. At the same time, it says that Latvia must continue with reforms and shrink the shadow economy. MEPs also urge the Latvian government to do more to tackle structural problems within the job market, so to reduce poverty.

The resolution also mentions Latvia’s financial sector and highlights that the stability of Latvia’s banks must be ensured, and that it is also important to increase the supervision of banks operating in the non-resident segment.

EU finance ministers are expected make a final decision on Latvia’s eurozone membership on July 9. If the decision is positive, Latvia will become the 18th member of the eurozone. Latvia’s goal is to introduce the euro on Jan. 1.