In an article from an independent journalist who fled Belarus to Latvia, the author explores ongoing political discussions within the families of Belarusian immigrants. Sitting in a kitchen in Jurmala, the journalist observes a lively debate between his elderly parents about the upcoming elections, taxes, infrastructure, and their community's future in Latvia, devoid of the fear that often permeates political discourse in Belarus.

The conversation contrasts sharply with how Belarusian families have historically approached politics. The journalist notes a deeply ingrained sentiment of apoliticism among his compatriots; many believe that voting is futile, encapsulated in the phrase, 'Why vote if our voices will be stolen?' This apathy has taken root over decades and has led to a significant disengagement from civic responsibilities, a reality that the journalist longs to change, even among his own family.

The implications of this apolitical stance are profound, as it not only affects the engagement of Belarusian families in their new home country but also illustrates the broader struggle for democracy and political expression in Belarus itself. As conversations in Latvia are marked by an absence of fear, those Belarusian families still caught in the legacy of repression face profound isolation in their inability to express their views and aspirations freely, underscoring the necessity for continued dialogue and engagement in their new environment.