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On Thursday, 20 October, a ceremony was held at the main building of the Saeima to present a postage stamp and envelope dedicated to the centenary of the Parliament of Latvia. “The Latvian Post has captured several events crucial to the history of our state, such as the founding of the Latvian Popular Front, the Baltic Way, and the 4 May 1990 Declaration of Independence. Today, another postage stamp will be added to this collection, dedicated to the centenary of the Saeima,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima.
While developing the graphic symbol of our anniversary—the centenary logo—we decided to include a stylised lilac flower and the amphitheatre shape characteristic to our Parliament. These symbols are now also featured on the postage stamp and envelope dedicated to the centenary of the Parliament, said Speaker Mūrniece. The postage stamp and envelope also feature the “Freedom” lilac variety, selected to celebrate the centenary of the Saeima as a symbol of the commitment to the highest values of our country—freedom, independence, and democracy.
The Speaker of the Saeima noted that the centenary of the Parliament of Latvia is a celebration of the start of a fully democratic form of government. With the convening of the very first Saeima, the fundamental law of Latvia—the Satversme (Constitution)—came into force. Thus, we celebrate freedom, independence, and democracy that were and are our highest values, highlighted the Speaker of the Saeima.
“Parliamentarianism turned out to be a crucial element later in the history of Latvia. Because of it and the Satversme, we managed to ensure the continuity of our state and were able to restore the parliamentary form of government even after 50 years of occupation. This is a unique case in the history of states,” said Ināra Mūrniece. “The newly-elected 14th Saeima will begin its work on 1 November, and it will be the tenth Saeima of the restored Republic of Latvia. In this convocation of the Saeima, just as in the four inter-war convocations, representatives of the people of Latvia will work for the benefit of our country and our people.”
Ceremony attendees were also addressed by Kristaps Krūmiņš, Member of the Board of the Latvian Post. The event was also attended by the Saeima Presidium members, MPs, Egils Plūme, Vice President of the Latvian Philatelist Union, as well as Sarmīte Strautiņa, senior researcher at the Institute of Horticulture and selectionist of the lilac variety dedicated to the centenary of the Saeima. Her photographs were used in the visual presentation of the postage stamp and envelope.
The 1st Saeima convened for its very first sitting on 7 November 1922 at 12:00. Along with the convening of the Parliament, the fundamental law of the state—the Satversme—came into force to regulate the form of government and the principles of exercising public authority. The fundamental principles of the work and elections of the Parliament have remained unchanged through the years.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/albums/72177720303037699
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Saeima Press Service