On Friday, September 25, representatives of the Riga City Council inspected the completed reconstruction of the Jorgis Zemitis Bridge and the new mobility point "Zemitis." During its construction, a much more convenient connection was created between the train station and the city public transport stops on the bridge — residents now have access to escalators, elevators, and stairs. Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs, who personally tested the new escalator, called it the first outdoor escalator in the Baltic States on the social platform "X." "The first ride on the first outdoor escalator in the Baltics. It feels like Europe, thanks to everyone who was involved in the construction work." However, it was the mayor's enthusiasm and the words "it feels like Europe" that sparked a series of ironic comments on social media. ## ## Is the Baltic Region Not Europe with or Without an Escalator? Here’s how people reacted to Kleinbergs' statement! "'It feels like Europe.' Once again presenting Latvia as some kind of backyard..." wrote one user on "X." "Is Riga not in Europe? It seems that the 'feelings' (formed by sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch?) really may not be like in Europe, self-critical!" Another person joked: "I find it strange that the mayor of Riga has never seen escalators. Take him to any shopping mall, for example." Someone else replied with a comment: "Maybe because Latvia is in Europe." "Is the Baltic Region not Europe with or without an escalator?" asked another resident.
