In Latvia, it is necessary to know and respect the Latvian language. It is our state language, the foundation of our identity, and a value that must be cherished. However, I am concerned about another issue. Can we — in a democratic country that is part of the European Union — prohibit the use of a language? A language itself does not pose a threat. It is a means through which people think, create, love, mourn, and communicate. History has repeatedly shown: when the state begins to determine which languages, books, theatrical performances, or forms of cultural expression are acceptable and which are not, we move away from freedom rather than closer to it. A strong state is not afraid of languages. It encourages people to choose their language with pride, not fear. I want to live in a Latvia where the Latvian language is strong not because other languages are banned, but because we ourselves respect, cherish, and choose it. In my opinion, this is how a strong democracy works.