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“By using modern tools of communication and efficiently channelling information, parliaments can develop a continuous, open and honest dialogue with society more easily. Social networks and live broadcasts of plenary sittings are needed; however, it is not enough. I am certain that it is important to have direct contact with people, to hear society’s voice, opinions and attitudes towards local and global events,” emphasised Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Monday, 22 April, when addressing other Speakers of the Parliaments of the European Union at their annual Conference.
The Speaker informed the audience that Latvia has introduced a new and progressive tool which provides an opportunity for everybody to be involved in the legislative process. This initiative has even attracted the attention of the global media: “By pursuing an idea expressed by smart young people, the Latvian parliament introduced an opportunity to file a collective submission – a legislative proposal submitted and signed by at least 10,000 people. The collective submission can be signed by Latvian citizens who have reached the age of 16, and signatures can be collected electronically. Once this submission is filed with the parliament, the legislative proposal is automatically included in the parliament’s agenda. I think it is noteworthy that the authors of this initiative were young people who wanted to influence the legislative process.”
Speaker Āboltiņa also emphasised that in politics, not only on a national but also on the European level, it is of outmost importance to use all possible means to address the young generation: “With this in mind, in the Latvian parliament we have established special programmes. The educational school programme “Meet the Parliament” offers young people an opportunity to understand the everyday work of our parliament and to learn in an interactive manner how the legislative process influences their lives. Furthermore, this week it will be the third time when the Latvian parliament will open its doors to a hundred young people from all regions of Latvia – members of the Youth Parliament – whose ideas on the development and future of Latvia received the greatest number of e-votes. Their ideas inspire even experienced politicians, and among them I see many future politicians and leaders willing to devote their professional lives to the well-being of other people and the idea of Europe – united, free and prosperous.”
In her address Solvita Āboltiņa indicated that this year has been designated as the “European Year of Citizens”, thus marking the introduction of the citizenship of the European Union with the Maastricht Treaty signed in 1992; therefore, it is significant that one of the subjects addressed at this Conference focuses on bringing citizens closer to the European Union. “We have to define the mission of our generation and our role in ensuring that future generations live in peace and stability, but concurrently we have to preserve the achievements of our predecessors. At a time when so many people are affected by financial constraints, we have to be careful not to damage the very foundations of our society,” stated Āboltiņa.
From 21 to 23 April, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima takes part in an annual Conference of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the European Union which is being held in Nicosia, Cyprus, this year.
Discussions held during the Speakers’ Conference will be devoted to the role of EU’s national parliaments and the European Parliament in enhancing democracy and human rights in third countries with an emphasis on the Mediterranean region. Other subjects of discussions will focus on bringing citizens closer to the European Union, as well as social cohesion in times of austerity and what can national parliaments do.
The Conference of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the European Union is devoted to topical European and national issues and is held since 1963, when the first Conference took place in Rome.
Saeima Press Service