Emotional Politics: the Second Call of Kārlis Ulmanis Cover Image

Emocionālā politika: Kārļa Ulmana otrais aicinājums
Emotional Politics: the Second Call of Kārlis Ulmanis

Author(s): Skaidrīte Lasmane
Subject(s): Cultural history, Governance, Political history, Social history, Geopolitics
Published by: Latvijas Universitātes Literatūras, folkloras un mākslas institūts
Keywords: May 15 Latvia; authoritarianism; Victory Square; political communication; narrative;

Summary/Abstract: A narrative has been created about the call of Kārlis Ulmanis, expressed at the meeting of Rīga press collaborators on May 29, 1936. The call refers to the construction of Victory Square in the capital Riga. The creation is enshrined in the “Law of the Government of Latvia on the Building of Victory Square, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers and promulgated by the President of Latvia on June 11, 1936.” The article draws attention to the building process led by Kārlis Ulmanis, when successful collection of financial resources in donations, cash lottery, practical participation in works and project tender is accompanied by influential political communication, strengthening support for Latvia of May 15, promoting the formation of national identity and civic consciousness. The construction serves as a model for the successful implementation of the authoritative political strategy of Ulmanis, in a wide representation of the construction of the Victory square reproduced by the media strengthening national identity, national and civic consciousness. The rhetoric of speeches by Ulmanis and other Latvian state officials, archival documents, as well as texts dedicated to the of Victory Square in national and regional press publications have been used, ensuring a positive emotional public mood, turning Victory Square from a simple Riga Park into the most outstanding joint work of the people in the creation of a national and civic Latvia. The break in the construction of the well-organized and popularly supported square in 1940 during the Soviet occupation of June 17, 1940, in conjunction with the content of the last radio speech of Ulmanis, has been evaluated.

  • Issue Year: 2025
  • Issue No: 58
  • Page Range: 180-203
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Latvian
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