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On Friday, 23 September, a total of 2,038 persons had a chance to visit the Saeima on Open Door Day. Majority of visitors were students from schools in Riga and all regions of Latvia.
Visitors were interested in touring the main building of the Saeima, and they used this opportunity to take a quiz that demonstrated their knowledge about the history and work of the parliament, as well as their attentiveness to details of the building’s architecture.
Visitors acknowledged that the ornate interior of the main building of the Saeima surprised them. They showed the greatest interest in seeing the Plenary Chamber, where on Thursdays MPs make decisions concerning laws. As usual, visitors were surprised by the size of the Plenary Chamber because on television the Chamber looks larger. They found the national coat of arms made of oak extremely impressive.
Visitors also had an opportunity to meet Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, who showed her office and explained the work of the parliament, which consists not only of plenary sittings but also committee meetings and diplomatic cooperation.
Even the youngest visitors knew that the parliament consists of 100 MPs, but they did not know exactly what they do. Older students were interested in finding out how to become an MP. Speaker Āboltiņa explained that citizens of Latvia over 21 years of age can become MPs; she emphasised that since the parliament should represent society in its full diversity, persons from various professions can become MPs.
When asked whether they would like to be MPs, the majority of visitors replied affirmatively. Those who were doubtful admitted that they would not like to be subjected to the daily criticism that members of the Saeima receive.
Each visitor received informative material that served as a guide during their tour of the building and that will remain as a souvenir from their visit to the Saeima. Guests of the Saeima took many photographs to document their visit.
On Open Door Day, visitors had an opportunity to see more of the building than is usually shown on regular tours. Guests of the parliament had a rare chance to see the representation rooms where meetings with foreign officials take place. Furthermore, visitors had a chance to glance inside the offices of the Speaker, the President and staff members of the Saeima.
During Open Door Day, the parliament hosted students from all around Latvia – for example, from Alūksne, Nereta, Ventspils, Saldus and Cēsis – but students from Riga showed the greatest interest in visiting the main building of the Saeima.
Tourists from Italy, Germany, Sweden and other countries also took advantage of the opportunity to visit the parliament. The youngest visitor of the Saeima was an infant who toured the main building of the Saeima in the arms of its parents. An old man was very happy about Open Door Day because although he lives nearby, he has never had a chance to visit the Saeima.
This was the fourth time that the Saeima has held Open Door Day. In 2008, on the first Open Door Day, approximately 1,500 people visited the Saeima; in 2009, this number exceeded 1,800; and in 2010, it reached 2,000.
Photos from Open Door Day are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/sets/72157627609208593/with/6174299545/
Video from Open Door Day is available at: https://www.youtube.com/user/SaeimaSAB#p/a/u/0/sNK12l0CSww
When using the material, please give credit to the Saeima Chancellery.
Saeima Press Service