Stakis will call on Riga executive director not to approve public events for May 9

RIGA - Riga Mayor Martins Stakis (Progressives/For) will call on the Riga executive director not to approve the annual public event by the monument dedicated to the Soviet army soldiers in Pardaugava.

In an interview with Latvian public television's analytical news program De Facto on Sunday that it is his personal opinion that such an event should not happen and there is no place for it in the Latvian capital.

He called on event organizers even not to submit their application for the event. Even if the local government does not manage to ban it, no catering, sales, sound devices and fireworks will be allowed during the event.

Stakis underscored that the whole world remembers the victims of World War II on May 8, and no permission is needed for laying flowers.

As reported, also Justice Minister Janis Bordans (Conservatives) has called on every Latvian municipality, including Riga, not to allow any "victory day" related events during May 9.

Bordans said that the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin has started a war against Ukraine and the whole free world. There are signs of war crimes in Russia's warfare against an independent state, including attacks on civilians, children.

Russia has taken over the rights and obligations of the Soviet Union. The same Russian tanks going on a parade in Moscow on May 9 are now shooting Ukrainians, the politician said.

May 9 is the day Russia marks the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. Many Russian-speakers in Latvia also celebrate Victory Day on May 9. Elsewhere in the world, including in Latvia, the official day for commemoration of the end of World War II is May 8, while May 9 is Europe Day.