Roberto Meloni, Sardinian in Latvia: "A country mobilized against the war"

“Latvia has a recent past linked to the old Soviet Union. After the unjust and cruel attack that Ukraine suffered, Latvians relive the ghosts of the past and the struggles for independence ”.

Roberto Meloni, 44 years old, born in Ardara, has lived and worked in Riga since 2004 where he moved after graduating in Foreign Languages and Literatures at the University of Sassari. With the scholarship obtained with the Socrates program he arrived in the Latvian capital. In the new reality he has come a long way: he cultivated a passion for music becoming a very successful singer and showman. He conducts television programs, dedicates himself to dubbing, and his forays into the fields of musicals and theater are frequent. Three years ago he received the honor of "Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy" which was conferred on him by the President of the Republic Mattarella.

In the songs he shows his strong bond with Sardinia and his gratitude to the other "homeland". “I often return to the island, I need to cultivate my roots but I am grateful to the land that has welcomed me for the new opportunities. There are similarities between Sardinia and Latvia. The only aspect that divides them is the climate ".

On the new war in Europe, he adds that “Latvia, which has just under two million inhabitants, 28% of whom of Russian origin, immediately clung to the Ukrainian people. Funds have been raised through concerts and art events to support the communities most in need of help. There is great solidarity. Basic necessities and toys for children are sent. Many families have been welcomed, fleeing from cities and villages devastated by the conflict ”.

Latvia, which is now a solid democracy, borders on "complicated neighbors" such as Russia and Belarus: “The Latvians - explains Roberto Meloni - consider this conflict a real aggression. At first it was thought that Putin could also direct his attention to neighboring states. The government said clearly: 'don't worry, we are protected. NATO and the European Union are a guarantee of security for us' ”.

Appropriate words that have given strength and courage to citizens. Citizens have mobilized vigorously on behalf of the Ukrainian people with the awareness that - as the premier of Estonia Kaja Kallas said - "Ukraine is fighting for the values on which the life of the Baltic countries is founded today". Roberto Meloni underlines that “every day in Riga there is a demonstration in front of the Russian embassy to demand the withdrawal of soldiers from Ukraine and an end to the bombing. There is a blow-up of Putin in the form of a skeleton on the facade of the Science Museum near the diplomatic headquarters. There is a feeling of worry, which is not fear. The Latvians are very peaceful but they know how to react in the face of abuses ".