He explained that Levita had a strong desire to modernize statehood, promote solidarity and cultural policy, and reduce inequalities.
–
The political scientist acknowledged that in the summary of the first year of the Levita presidency, there was no evidence of highly liberal or socially liberal ideas or features. “The emphasis is on the rule of law and the unity of the nation,” Skudra added.
–
Consequently, according to the professor, the president has not opposed the ruling parties, all of which have conservative features.
–
Explaining the president’s position of “enlightened conservatism”, the professor highlighted Levit’s intention to hold Democracy Week at the beginning of May, as well as last year’s solidarity think tank, which emphasized belonging with the aim of promoting understanding and critical thinking “towards a united Latvian nation”. The vision of the Levite nation, which is different from the concept of an ethnic nation, should also be highlighted, the professor added.
–
Skudra also noted the President’s call to change the model of public administration, including emphasizing social entrepreneurship and improving the tax system.
–
At the same time, the professor pointed out the President’s intention to establish Latvia as a Northern European country with an emphasis on resembling the Scandinavian countries. This is a sign of the direction of work for the next three years, which, according to the political scientist, signals further work on building a solidarity and modern state.
–
As reported, summarizing the conclusions of the first year of the presidency, Levits explained that in Latvia it is necessary to think about the modernization of public administration and improving the quality of legislative decisions.
–
During the year, when meeting and talking with various institutions, one of the problems of Latvia’s public administration has become clear – the institutions do not see a common square, but only their “path”, the President noted.
–
Among other things, Levits said that in a modern country, so-called horizontal areas emerge, which affect not only one sector, but several.
–
As an example, he cited the area of people with disabilities, which involves six ministries but does not see a “common ground”. “At the level of the Cabinet of Ministers, there is no one who would give concepts and proposals for discussion. In my opinion, the horizontal areas must be raised at the political level,” the President emphasized.
–
The Saeima was approved by the Saeima on May 29 last year, but he started performing the duties of the President on July 8.
—
