Latvian Interior Minister Janis Dombrava's Letter to Spain Sparks Diplomatic Row

Latvian interior minister Janis Dombrava sent a letter to Spain concerning the migrant influx at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where tens of thousands of people briefly entered. In the letter he expressed solidarity, urged Spain not to legalise the migrants and offered technical assistance, while warning of broader Schengen‑area security risks.

Prime Minister Andris Kullberg warned that any correspondence of this kind must be coordinated with the foreign ministry, and political scientist Juris Rozenvalds said Dombrava had overstepped his authority, framing the move as a pre‑election show of toughness on migration. President Edgars Rinkēvičs later stressed that Latvia must first resolve its own border issues before advising other states.

Spanish officials reportedly received the letter with a sensitive, even arrogant tone, though no specific Spanish media coverage could be identified. The episode sparked debate on Latvian social media about the appropriateness of the minister’s unilateral action and its impact on the government’s cohesion.