International reporting
The return of military service in Latvia
Audio 02:35
Leonids Kalnins, commander of the Latvian armed forces, at the military base of the Latvian armed forces in Adazi, Latvia, on February 25, 2022. (Illustration image) © AFP - GINTS IVUSKANS
By: Marielle Vitureau
2 mins
Thirteen soldiers from the honor guard of the army of Latvia, one of the three Baltic countries, will parade on the Champs-Elysées on the occasion of July 14th.
A way for France to show its support for this European country and to confirm its status as a partner.
In this country bordering Russia, the time has come to strengthen defense capabilities and the reintroduction of military service is currently under discussion.
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From our correspondent in Riga,
In his office, Defense Minister Artis Pabriks enthusiastically details his vision for the new Latvian army.
Within five years, the number of people trained in the handling of weapons will increase from 20 to 50,000 soldiers.
All thanks to returning from military service.
“
One of our great fears has always been a surprise attack from Russia.
The support of our allies will not arrive immediately.
We are a small country and we must be able to defend ourselves
, ”he justifies.
In front of the University of Latvia, we find Rudolfs, a 22-year-old sociology student, involved in community life.
He could be one of the conscripts when the project is adopted.
“
A lot of us understand why this issue is coming up and why it's on the table.
We still have a lot of questions about what system will be adopted in the end and how it will all work.
»
The project provides for civic service for conscientious objectors or engagement in the National Guard, a paramilitary organization.
Martins, a young soldier, works in the first brigade in Riga.
He often guides young people who want to join the National Guard.
“
Since the start of the attacks in Ukraine, we have received 466 applications to join the national guard.
This is a considerable increase.
People call and want to know what they can do to defend themselves and how to survive if something happens.
»
As a child, Rudolfs was nurtured by his parents' tales of Latvian struggles for independence.
He intends to take part in the debate.
“
IT people could take courses in cybersecurity.
The lawyers of the courses on international military law.
For me, that would also be a good solution.
»
2022 is an election year in Latvia.
MP Maria Golubeva will be one of the candidates of the Development Party, already in the government coalition.
The question of security will be central, but much broader than the military question alone, in a country where a third of the population is Russian-speaking.
"
Feeling safe also means being part of a united civil society, to which people feel they belong regardless of their ethnic origin or language,
" she argues.
It also requires a single school system where all citizens learn and live together.
»
The strengthening of the Latvian army also involves the acquisition of new equipment, in particular artillery pieces.
A third of the budget is devoted to it this year, ie nearly 250 million euros.
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Latvia
Defense