Saeima
Saeima speaker vacancy finally filled
Saeima speaker vacancy finally filled
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). 
Saeima sees stormy debate on switching speakers(update)
Saeima sees stormy debate on switching speakers(update)
Edvards Smiltēns (United List) was voted out as Saeima speaker September 20, with Gunārs Kūtris (Greens and Farmers Union/ZZS) lined up to take over the important duties as part of the new coalition's reallocation of power – but then seeing his candidacy receive a mauling.
Former ministers return to parliament chairs
Former ministers return to parliament chairs
With the approval of the new government, the composition of the 14th Saeima is also changing as of September 20. Several former ministers have returned to work in Parliament, but the mandate of the Saeima deputy was lost by politicians approved for ministerial posts.
Saeima to shuffle the pack in committees and presidium
Saeima to shuffle the pack in committees and presidium
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.
Saeima moves ahead law giving Russians more time for exams
Saeima moves ahead law giving Russians more time for exams
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.
Survey shows worst public ratings of Saeima in 20 years
Survey shows worst public ratings of Saeima in 20 years
Only 14% of Latvian residents believe that this Saeima works better than the previous one, and this is the worst indicator in at least the last 20 years, according to survey data conducted by the research company SKDS in July, newswire LETA reported on August 23.
Baltic, Polish, Ukrainian parliamentary speakers meeting in Rīga
Baltic, Polish, Ukrainian parliamentary speakers meeting in Rīga
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.
Little support for Istanbul Convention in Latvian parliament
Little support for Istanbul Convention in Latvian parliament
The 14th Saeima does not show much support for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Only two of the seven factions – New Unity and Progressives – express clear support for its approval, Latvian Radio reported on April 25.
2023 budget adopted after Saeima pulls an all-nighter
2023 budget adopted after Saeima pulls an all-nighter
The parliamentary debate for the final reading of Latvia's 2023 budget turned into a test of physical and mental endurance after lengthy deliberations among Saeima deputies occupied the hours usually belonging to pillows and duvets.
Latvian-only pre-election campaigns conceptually supported by Saeima
Latvian-only pre-election campaigns conceptually supported by Saeima
On March 2, the Saeima conceptually supported the amendments tabled by the National Alliance (NA), the United List (AS), New Unity (JV) and members of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) to the Law on Pre-Election Agitation, which stipulates that pre-election campaigns should be conducted in the official state language, Latvian, LETA reported.
MP Grevcova banned from six Saeima sittings
MP Grevcova banned from six Saeima sittings
On Thursday, February 23, the Saeima decided to exclude Glorija Grevcova (For Stability!) from participating in the next six sittings of the parliament, said the Saeima Press Service.
Foreign Affairs Committees call for international tribunal to prosecute Russia’s crimes
Foreign Affairs Committees call for international tribunal to prosecute Russia’s crimes
On the initiative of the Baltic states, the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of 19 countries and the European Parliament on January 30 issued a joint statement in which they expressed support to the investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, as well as advocated the establishment of a dedicated international tribunal for prosecuting the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine by Russia’s military invasion and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Saeima delegation makes Kyiv visit
Saeima delegation makes Kyiv visit
Saeima speaker Edvards Smiltēns was on a visit to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on January 12, with more meetings taking place January 13.
Latvia's parliament building in critical condition
Latvia's parliament building in critical condition
Preparations for the repair of the Saeima House, Jēkaba Street 11, are ongoing. This year it is planned to develop a reconstruction work project on temporary premises on Smilšu Street, where parliamentarians will work during the reconstruction of the Saeima House, Latvian Radio reported on January 8.
Saeima committee supports criminal prosecution of MP Grevcova
Saeima committee supports criminal prosecution of MP Grevcova
Members of the Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Commission decided unanimously on Wednesday, December 28, to ask the Saeima to agree to the continuation of the criminal proceedings against the deputy Glorija Grevcova (For Stability!).
Saeima agrees to reconsider top officials' salary rise
Saeima agrees to reconsider top officials' salary rise
In light of the current economic situation, the Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Commission agreed on Wednesday, December 21, to invite the Cabinet to reconsider the remuneration system for top officials of the country, the Parliament's Press Service said.
14 new MPs take seats in the Saeima
14 new MPs take seats in the Saeima
On Thursday, December 15, the Saeima approved the parliamentary mandate for 14 new members. This was necessary because their party members have been elected ministers in the new government of PM Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity).
Saeima rejects initiative on legal protection of all families
Saeima rejects initiative on legal protection of all families
The Saeima majority on Thursday rejected the society's initiative on the legal protection of all families, Latvian Radio reported. The initiative encouraged legally recognizing couples living outside the marriage union and ensuring their social protection.
New ministerial office creation approved by Saeima
New ministerial office creation approved by Saeima
On Thursday, December 1, the Saeima supported the draft legislation in the final reading with the intention of creating a Ministry of Climate and Energy in Latvia, as well as the appointments of deputy ministers, the Saeima Press Service said.
Saeima committee nays idea of new ministerial office
Saeima committee nays idea of new ministerial office
On November 29, the majority of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee, before the final reading, again rejected amendments to the law which would provide for the creation of a new position of the Minister for Climate and Energy, LETA reported.

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