Krauze: military should join border defense against migrant pressure
Latvian MP and Union of Greens and Farmers leader Armands Krauze says the army should help guard the eastern border, arguing that border guards alone are insufficient amid hybrid warfare. He also announced a draft law to deport illegal border-crossers within 48 hours.
Saeima member and Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) chairman Armands Krauze said on TV24's "Ziņu top" program that Latvia's National Armed Forces should be involved in guarding the country's eastern border, alongside the Border Guard and the National Guard (Zemessardze). He argued that when migrants are being used deliberately as a hybrid warfare tool, standard border security resources may not be sufficient.
Krauze explained that under normal peacetime conditions, border guards can manage security on their own. However, as hybrid warfare threats and migrant flows intensify, the Border Guard already operates in a reinforced mode with support from the National Guard. He believes this support should be expanded to include the military.
A tougher stance on illegal migration
The ZZS representative stressed that Latvia must take a firm approach toward people who cross the border illegally. He warned that without decisive action, Latvia could end up in a situation he says has developed in certain other European countries, where entire neighborhoods have reportedly become dominated by migrant communities and the local language is no longer heard.
Krauze said he and other lawmakers are working on draft legislation that would allow for the deportation of people who illegally cross Latvia's border within 48 hours. According to him, the current process is overly complicated, since illegal border-crossers can apply for asylum, which delays deportation.
Krauze also called for an end to assistance provided by various organizations to people who have arrived in Latvia illegally, saying such people should not be helped to stay but rather removed from the country.
