Address by President of the Constitutional Court Aldis Laviņš at the award ceremony of the competition of drawings and essays by pupils
Aldis Laviņš
President of the Constitutional Court of Latvia
Address at the award ceremony of the competition of drawings and essays by pupils
3 March 2023
Dear pupils and teachers!
Dear Madam Minister!
Dear audience!
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome the pupils and teachers who have gathered here – in the Constitutional Court Chamber – from different regions of Latvia to honour the winners of our competition “My Responsibility to the Next Generations!”
With the sixth competition of drawings and essays by pupils, we are entering the second century of Latvia’s fundamental law – the Constitution! The family of the Constitutional Court, together with our cooperation partners, is delighted to be with you today.
The Constitutional Court protects the fundamental rights of every Latvian citizen. We recognise the problems of the people of Latvia and we address them through law. It is essential that everyone can protect their rights, live respectful and full-fledged lives, enjoy justice and freedom.
Yes, the main task of the Constitutional Court is to adjudicate, but it is extremely important to bring the rule of law closer to everyone in Latvia – young and elderly people, both from cities and from different parts of the country.
It is our duty and our responsibility to engage in dialogue with different groups in society, but especially with young people. Everyone in Latvia should be aware that our country’s freedom was won in a fierce War of Independence. But a free country is only the foundation on which, through the rule of law and democracy, we continue to build a society where everyone’s rights have respect and meaning. The more united we are, the stronger we will be against various internal and external shocks and threats.
The people of Ukraine are an explicit example of the strength and indivisibility of a united society. Russia cannot and will not succeed in breaking the dreams of the people of Ukraine of democracy, freedom and their own land. Ukraine will win, justice will win, democracy will win!
Dear pupils!
Looking at your drawings and reading your thoughts, we were strengthened by the knowledge and belief that despite the current geopolitical and economic difficulties, the future of the Latvian state and democracy lies in the hands of talented, educated, determined and free people. Every drawing and essay conveys an important message about the Constitution, about Latvia and about a united society that will responsibly stand guard for freedom and democracy!
You are our future. Grow great for Latvia, love your people and your country!
Dear teachers!
A teacher opens the door to a world of knowledge and leads students up the mountain of knowledge. You are characterised by dedication, determination, concern for the intellectual growth of your fellow human beings and the country of Latvia, as well as a genuine respect and love for your profession. On behalf of the family of the Constitutional Court, I express my appreciation and sincerest gratitude to all of you for your honest and selfless work!
Dear audience!
May this ceremony be a source of inspiration, energy and creativity for us all! On your way home, become ambassadors of the Constitution and convey our greetings and gratitude to your parents and grandparents, who, dear students, have raised you to be good sons and daughters of Latvia!