On Thursday, 4 October, the Saeima approved in the final reading amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia to allow an open ballot in the election of the president of the State.

The Latvian SSR Committee for State Security (KGB) files will now be freely accessible for research at the Latvian State Archive, with some parts of the files made available on its website, according to the amended Law adopted by the Saeima on Thursday, 4 October, in the final reading.

On Thursday, 13 September, Saeima issued a statement regarding Ukranian filmmaker Oleg Sencov. Saeima condemns the unlawful detention of Mr. Sencov who was apprehended in the jurisdiction of illegally-annexed Crimea in violation of international law. Saeima also believes that the trial and conviction of Mr. Sencov are illegal and politically motivated. In its statement, Saeima urges the Russian Federation to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Oleg Sencov and other unjustly imprisoned Ukrainians. 

On Thursday, 30 August, the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee issued a statement regarding Ukranian filmmaker Oleg Sencov. The Foreign Affairs Committee condemns the unlawful detention of Mr. Sencov who was apprehended in the jurisdiction of illegally-annexed Crimea in violation of international law. The committee also believes that the trial and conviction of Mr. Sencov are illegal and politically motivated. In its statement, the Foreign Affairs Committee urges the Russian Federation to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Oleg Sencov and other unjustly imprisoned Ukrainians.

“Security and defence are the main priorities of the Baltic and Nordic countries. In order for us to deter Russia from aggression, we must continuously strengthen the defence capabilities of our countries, while maintaining close cooperation with NATO, the EU, within the Baltic and Nordic region,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, during the annual meeting of the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Speakers in Reykjavik, on Thursday, 19 July.

During Latvia’s Centenary XXVI Nationwide Latvian Song and XVI Dance Festival parliamentarians from several countries will be visiting Latvia.

“A strong network of honorary consulates provides critical support to Latvia. Your assistance is crucial when our people find themselves in crisis and emergency situations in your countries of residence”, said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Monday, 2 June, while welcoming Latvia’s honorary consuls currently in Latvia.

On Thursday, 21 June, the Saeima adopted as urgent in the final reading amendments to the Law on International Sanctions and National Sanctions of the Republic of Latvia, which improve regulations pertaining to sanction regimes to efficiently levy and execute national and international sanctions.

On Thursday, 21 June, the Saeima in the third reading adopted amendments to the Immigration Law. According to the amendments, foreign students, researchers and their host institutions, such as educational establishments and research institutes, will benefit from simplified administrative procedures.