Press releases

Ināra Mūrniece: democracy was the method Jānis Čakste chose for the development of Latvia
Democracy was the method Jānis Čakste chose for the development of Latvia. It was his decision, his path and his vision. Democracy also serves as the foundation of Latvia’s current development, stressed Ināra Mūrniece, the Speaker of the Saeima, in her opening address at the scientific conference dedicated to the 160th anniversary of Jānis Čakste on Friday, 13 September, at the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia. J.Čakste was the Chairman of the People’s Council, the Speaker of the Constitutional Assembly, and the first President of the Republic of Latvia.
Saeima supports closer bilateral law enforcement cooperation with the USA
On Thursday, 19 September, the Saeima in the second and final reading adopted urgent draft law regarding amendments to the Agreement on Law Enforcement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the United States of America of September 2004.
Dagmāra Beitnere-Le Galla at the Krynica Economic Forum: Future of Europe lies also in the hands of Central and Eastern Europe
"It is important to build a joint social capital of the Central and Eastern Europe, which would be based on mutual awareness and trust, so that we would be able, through our common history that strengthens our ties, to safeguard the foundations of Europe – Christian and democratic values. The future of Europe lies also in the hands of the Central and Eastern Europe," underlined Dagmāra Beitnere-Le Galla, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, addressing the audience at the 29th Krynica Economic Forum where she was invited by the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies.
Further action to be determined in an international meeting in Riga  following the PACE decision to restore the voting rights of Russia
On Friday, 6 September, an international meeting organised by the delegation of Latvia to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will take place to decide upon further action of countries following the PACE decision to restore the voting rights of Russia in the organisation.
 Speaker Mūrniece at the meeting of parliament speakers of NB8 countries in Tallinn: we are partners who have to work together
"We, the Baltic and Nordic countries, are partners sharing the same mindset who need to work closely together. In this way, we will be able to achieve much more in strengthening the security and well-being of our region," said Speaker Mūrniece on Tuesday, 3 September, addressing the parliament speakers from the Baltic and Nordic countries (NB8) at the annual conference in Tallinn.
Ceremonial opening of the Hall of the Baltic Way at the Saeima
On Friday, 23 August, as a part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way, ceremonial opening of the Hall of the Baltic Way was held at the Saeima, with parliamentarians from several countries in attendance.
 Ināra Mūrniece: love of freedom has never faded in the Baltic people’s hearts
“Only the love that the Baltic people felt towards their land, their people, their language and culture could have produced the resolve, unity and moral certainty embodied by the Baltic Way 30 years ago. It was also about love of freedom, which has never faded in our hearts and remains as strong as ever,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, in her address before the concert in honour of the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way on 23 August in culture palace Ziemeļblāzma.
Egils Levits sworn in as President
On Monday, 8 July, at an extraordinary plenary sitting of the Saeima, Egils Levits assumed the duties of the President and took the solemn oath: "I swear that all of my work will be dedicated to the welfare of the people of Latvia. I will do everything in my power to promote the prosperity of the Republic of Latvia and all who live here. I will hold sacred and will observe the Constitution of Latvia and the laws of the State. I will act justly towards all and will fulfil my duties conscientiously.”
Saeima decides on reducing excise duty on strong alcoholic drinks from 1 August
On Monday, 8 July, the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the Law on Excise Duties stipulating that the excise duty rate on strong alcoholic beverages shall be reduced starting from 1 August.
Saeima decides on further action by Latvia at the PACE
On Monday, 8 July the Saeima supported the draft decision “On further action by Latvia at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe” (PACE). The decision tasks the delegation of the Saeima to the PACE to engage in consultation with the parliamentary delegations and their members representing the countries which voted against the restoration of voting rights to the Russian Federation with the aim to agree on a common position before the fourth session of 2019 and decide on further action at the PACE.
Sestdien, 17.augustā