Soviet-era monuments in Latvia: Should they stay, or should they go?

Monuments erected during Soviet rule are currently at the centre of an intense debate in Latvia. That is despite a recent law that was implemented a few months ago, allowing the systematic dismantling of many of them.

Some of these monuments represent memorial sites documenting part of their history, but others represent symbols of Soviet-era propaganda. Unease over its Russian neighbour´s expansionism, Latvia voted for the law, which compels city councils to destroy monuments glorifying the Soviet regime, following the invasion of Ukraine.

But monuments in graveyards, containing human remains or assessed as cultural landmarks are still protected. Although, things are far from that simple near the border with Belarus and Russia.

Daugavpils has three large Soviet monuments and a sizeable ethnic Russian majority. Labelled a "propaganda site" by Government experts, this tribute to World War Soviet soldiers is earmarked for destruction.

A decision that has dismayed many Russian-speaking locals, including Igor Prelatov, a member of the Daugavpils City Council.

"A soldier is a soldier. The war sets things clear. What happened, happened. The monument was built in gratitude to someone. If we go back to history, whose territory this was... there may be a lot of discussions, we can talk about it endlessly. In my opinion, by taking down the monuments we erase history."

One of the city’s prominent Soviet memorials is certain to escape dismantling, as it contains human remains, but even here local historians have differing points of view. 

Henrihs Soms, is a Professor Of History, the University Of Daugavpils. 

"The monument itself does not cause differentiation in the society. What causes division is how this monument is being exploited by