Update 19:36
Saeima
Speakers of the parliaments of 19 European countries have sent a joint letter to Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson, calling on him to help efforts to assist Ukraine with the necessary funds to continue its defense against Russian aggression.
The Supreme Court has refused to bring an appeal in the case of Saeima Member Glorija Grevcova. As a result, Grevcova has lost the mandate of a member of parliament, the prosecution said on February 15.
Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, on November 23 adopted a statement supporting the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
On November 9, the Saeima adopted amendments to eight laws envisaging the introduction of a new Partnership institution in Latvia – a new way to legally strengthen relations between two adults, including same-sex couples, and provide social and economic protection for them. Amendments to the laws are expected to come into force on July 1, 2024.
The Saeima on November 2 conceptually supported amendments to several laws envisaging the introduction of a partnership institute in Latvia – this will be a new way to legally strengthen relations between two adults, including same-sex couples, and provide them with certain social and economic protection.
Following a series of votes in Saeima on Wednesday that repeatedly failed to install a new occupant of the Saeima's speaker's chair over several hours – but which did manage to unseat the existing Speaker, Edvards Smiltēns (United List) – the vacancy was finally filled by Daiga Mieriņa of the Greens and Farmers' Union (ZZS).
With the approval of the new government, changes can be expected not only at ministries but also in the composition of Saeima committees on different subjects, the Presidium which is responsible for governing the work of the the Saeima (parliament), and in the faces visible in the debating chamber itself.
On Thursday, September 7, the Saeima supported amendments to the Immigration Law in the first reading, which provides for the possibility for Russian citizens living in Latvia to extend the time period for the Latvian language exam for the receipt of a permanent residence permit by two years. This would apply to those Russian citizens who have already tried to pass the test.
On July 9 and 10 the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine will be meeting in Rīga, Latvia, where political and practical assistance to Ukraine, including support on its path to the European Union and NATO, will be discussed ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius later in the week.