President Edgars Rinkēvičs stands by his decision to forgo attending the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
During a press conference following a meeting with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, Rinkēvičs explained that he had begun organizing “Music in the Riga Castle” – an event featuring two highly sought-after artists – and had sent invitations to individuals from across Latvia’s regions and various sectors.
“The invitation to Paris arrived late. Considering all the pros and cons, and knowing such events well from my time as Foreign minister, I made the right decision. As I wrote on Twitter, my cathedral and my people come first,” the President stated.
He emphasized that while debate is healthy, he doesn’t believe the reopening of Notre Dame will lead to any meaningful policy shifts, as such milestones rarely do.
“Prioritizing our citizens, fulfilling promises, and sticking to the calendar is a much more responsible and crucial task then enjoying a fancy dinner and attending a momentous occasion. While I’m delighted about the restoration of Notre Dame, I acted completely appropriately and make no regrets,” Rinkēvičs asserted.
Rinkēvičs further stressed that choosing to invest in Latvia’s communities, honoring commitments, and reliably upholding the schedule carries far greater weight than a single evening of festivities. He believes focusing on Latvia’s future, rather than attending a symbolic event abroad, is the more responsible and meaningful approach.
He faced criticism for this decision and responded directly, urging those who voice criticism to deepen their understanding of international relations before speaking out.
How does President Rinkēvičs’s decision reflect the challenges faced by smaller nations in global diplomacy?
Interview with President edgars Rinkēvičs: Prioritizing Latvia Over Notre Dame Reopening
Editor of Time.news: Today, we have the honor of speaking with President Edgars Rinkēvičs of Latvia. He recently made headlines for choosing to forgo attending the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in favor of focusing on local commitments. thank you for joining us, President Rinkēvičs.
President Rinkēvičs: It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.
Editor: You made a bold decision to not attend the highly publicized reopening of Notre Dame. Can you explain the rationale behind this choice?
president Rinkēvičs: Absolutely. The invitation to Paris came rather late, and I had already begun organizing ”Music in the Riga Castle,” a meaningful event featuring two prestigious artists. Given the importance of that event and my commitments to the people of Latvia, I felt it was more responsible to prioritize our local community over attending a symbolic occasion abroad.
Editor: Some critics have suggested that your decision may diminish your presence on the world stage. How do you respond to those concerns?
President Rinkēvičs: I believe that it’s crucial for leaders to prioritize their own citizens’ needs first. As I stated, while I appreciate the restoration of Notre Dame and its cultural meaning, I felt that staying true to my commitments here in Latvia was a much more meaningful task. Like I mentioned during my press conference, enjoying a fancy dinner should not overshadow fulfilling promises to our citizens.
Editor: You mentioned during your announcement that such milestones rarely lead to meaningful policy shifts. Can you elaborate on that?
President Rinkēvičs: Certainly.While iconic events like the reopening of Notre Dame create a buzz and can temporarily captivate the international community’s attention, they often do not translate into substantive political or social change. What truly drives progress is local governance and investing in our communities. It’s about ensuring that we are on track with our obligations and timelines in Latvia.
Editor: How do you think your decision reflects on the current state of international relations, especially for smaller nations like Latvia?
President Rinkēvičs: It’s imperative for smaller nations to carve out their path and not feel pressured by the grandeur of larger international events. We must uphold our priorities and commitments to our people. By focusing on what truly matters to our citizens, we can strengthen our national identity and influence, even without being prominent players at global gatherings.
Editor: Some may argue that attending international events can help raise a nation’s profile. What’s your take?
President Rinkēvičs: While visibility on the international stage is critically important, it should never come at the expense of domestic responsibilities. There’s always a balance to strike,but in this case,I believe my commitment to Latvia and our populace is paramount. Moreover, I encourage critics to deepen their understanding of international relations before making judgments. Every decision involves weighing numerous factors, some of wich are not instantly visible to the public.
Editor: what advice do you have for leaders facing similar decisions in their own countries?
President Rinkēvičs: I’d advise leaders to always consider the broader implications of their choices. Prioritizing the health and wellbeing of one’s own community, while aligning with national interests, should be the guiding principle.It’s essential to uphold commitments and focus on long-term plans rather than immediate gratification from attending high-profile events.
Editor: Thank you,President Rinkēvičs,for your insightful perspectives on prioritizing national commitments over international obligations. Your thoughts provide a meaningful framework for leaders everywhere who strive to find the proper balance between local responsibility and global presence.
President Rinkēvičs: Thank you for the chance. It’s vital we continue to have open dialogues about thes important issues.