RIGA, Jan 1 (LETA) - Riga Mayor Martins Stakis (For Development/For) in his New Year's address has called on everyone for solidarity and cooperation.

Stakis said that 2020 had been a difficult years, but it has taught many things. "It has taught me personally how much we all are related, how much we are responsible for each other. By putting on a mask or washing our hands we probably are saving a life of a person," he said.

The mayor notes that the Covid-19 restrictions for many people are not just everyday inconvenience as artists, musicians, hairdresser's , small businessmen and many others may not earn their income. "They are suffering the hardship for the good of others, for others' health and have earned huge gratitude and understanding," he said.

The politician said that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. "We see the vaccines. They will not be mandatory, but when I have a chance, I will get the vaccine," he said.

Stakis thanked medics, social workers, police officers, teachers for their work during the pandemic.

He said that people's everyday actions leave a mark on the society in general, and this is the lesson he wants to keep from the last year.