RIGA, March 15 (LETA) - One of the challenges for the coming years will be to ensure even greater development of Latvia's military and military industry, said Prime Minister Evika Silina, a board member of the New Unity party alliance, addressing the party members at the presentation event of the leaders of the New Unity municipal election lists.

In her opinion, Latvia can now be proud of being a safe country, regardless of what neighboring countries do. Silina mentioned that the streets are safe, there are no areas where the police cannot enter. There is also no huge migration flow. The Prime Minister called on people not to believe the fake news that New Unity is in favor of bringing large migration flows into Latvia. She called on the New Unity leaders to tell the people about it in the local elections. She pointed out that Latvia is one of the countries that advocate the strictest migration policies, including in Europe.

"We are a big team preparing for the local elections. We are a team that has won 26 votes in the Saeima. This has not happened by chance, because we have been able to show our leadership at different times. We have always had ideas, and we still have ideas. We have been through various challenges, but New Unity's ability to change with the times is a strength of the party," the Prime Minister said.

She stressed that New Unity is represented in municipalities and will continue to be so, but that this imposes a great duty and responsibility to think about what is important for residents today, and security is one of these issues. Silina welcomed the European Commission's package for the defense of Europe. The Prime Minister said that Latvia's military development, including its industry, is essential, as it will provide new jobs and opportunities to develop technology.

"It is important for local governments to think about new jobs, new technologies, also to have schools and good education, as well as cheaper medicines. We will continue to advocate with the Health Minister to deliver on the promises we made before the elections. It has been an ugly road with negative campaigns because we are getting results," said the New Unity board member.

In her address, she also mentioned cutting red tape. The Prime Minister said that there is a tendency in Latvia to monitor and inspect, but those who are brave enough to do something should be supported. Silina pointed to the planned change in emphasis - more of the brave doing and less of the supervising. She pointed out that the changes are not intended to reduce the number of people, but to improve people's lives.

Silina did not shy away from mentioning the opposition partners, who often do not have new ideas, but New Unity does have ideas on improving demography, additional childcare services. She assured that resources will be found for this, but it is clear that nothing will fall out of the air. According to Silina, it will be up to them to create these resources and to advocate for the reduction of bureaucracy.

The New Unity board member also pointed out that Latvia is currently one of the main countries in providing the most support to Ukraine in terms of gross domestic product. Silina also stressed that Latvia is most committed to its own security. She called for these messages to be taken to the local elections, as it proves that New Unity is a party that can take difficult decisions for the people.