Latvia's Interior Minister Names Immigrants, Russia as Enemies in Facebook Post
Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) published a Facebook post after his first week in office, listing immigrants, Russia and organized crime as his enemies. Critics say he lumps all immigrants together, including Ukrainian refugees.
Latvia's newly appointed Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) has sparked controversy with his first public statement on social media. In a Facebook post marking his first week in office, Dombrava declared that Russia, immigrants, organized crime and economic groups will be his enemies.
The minister wrote that he does not care if someone on the other side of Europe dislikes his position, adding that his goal is to do everything possible to make Latvia safer and ensure the nation's survival. Dombrava used the general term "immigrants" without distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration.
This has drawn criticism for grouping together all immigrants, including Ukrainian refugees fleeing war, international students and businesspeople. Observers note that such rhetoric could create unnecessary tension and uncertainty about Latvia's immigration policy. Dombrava is a member of the National Alliance party and serves in Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' government.
