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Kr. Valdemara str. 33
Office 11 (entrance from courtyard)
Phone: +371 67218043
Fax: +371 67218045
info@bccl.lv |
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| May 31 |
| Anita Kaleja at the BCCL Monthly Dinner 'Who will be/or who is the New President of Latvia?' |
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Dear Members of the BCCL,
Dear Guests and Friends,
I am happy to welcome you all tonight. The occasion is clear. The country has a new president. We have invited Mr. Pauls Raudseps to share with us his thoughts about this event. But let us reflect for a minute about the significance of this day for our Chamber as well.
First, the simple truth timely told, might be sobering — life goes on. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has been most splendid and exceptional as a leader of the country. We, as a Chamber, were fortunate to work with her on a number of issues, and she was our honorary guest at the 10th anniversary of the Chamber. The history of her presidency has been our history. During her presidency Latvia has become a member of the European Union and NATO, the international reputation of the country has grown immensely, trade has flourished. And so did we, both individually and as an organization. All things considered, Latvia has been a happy and prosperous place. But not for everyone. Inflation and the migration of the workforce are signs that there are serious problems that will have to be tackled by the new president. We wish him the best of luck and prudence to see that these problems do not escalate.
Secondly, the presidency gives great power and responsibility. Given many problems of environmental, social and economic nature, it is the role of the president to set the priorities and the agenda that maps the course for our country and its development. Vaira Vike-Freiberga put Latvia’s international reputation as a priority, and indeed succeeded to put it on a firm footing. Today Latvia is a recognized member of the international community. And we, as a chamber have benefited from this course. But what will be the list of priorities for the next president? Will they be beneficial to our members? The process of selection has not been transparent, and I am not able to give any plausible prediction as to how the future agenda will develop. Hence, I put to you a question. Perhaps, given many uncertainties, it would be wise for us to become more active in shaping this agenda. Should we, as a chamber, become more active as a lobby for our members? I am asking you to give some feedback to the Office over the summer. If we decide to engage more actively in shaping the agenda, we will have to design and implement new policies.
I would like to continue, and perhaps, change the pace of this speech by bringing to your attention the best known expression depicting that ultimate companion in our lives - the good news, bad news dichotomy. The traditional proclamation goes -
The king is dead. Long live the king.
It is fitting, I think, to paraphrase this proclamation today, and thus, to adjust it to our current condition. So, with your permission, I proclaim
The president is gone. Long live the President.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Pauls Raudseps, the Editor of the editorial page of the Latvian newspaper Diena with his thoughts about the presidential elections.
31.05.2007 Grande Palace BCCL Dinner Presidential Elections
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