Saeima

The Saeima, or Parliament of Latvia, is the unicameral legislative body of the Republic of Latvia. It is composed of 100 members who are elected for four-year terms.

Members are chosen through nationwide proportional representation with open party lists. Parties or electoral alliances must surpass a national threshold to gain seats. The Saeima is responsible for drafting and passing laws, approving the state budget and taxes, and overseeing the executive branch. It also participates in the ratification of international treaties and has the power to shape foreign and security policy through legislation and oversight.

The Saeima elects the Prime Minister, who heads the government, and can dismiss the government through a vote of no confidence. It also elects the President of Latvia for a four-year term, typically requiring a qualified majority. The Parliament operates with standing committees that examine proposed legislation and supervise government activities; a Speaker presides over plenary sessions and coordinates the Saeima’s work.

Sessions are held in Riga at the Saeima building. The body functions within Latvia’s constitutional framework, with its proceedings guided by the Satversme, the constitutional law of Latvia. The current framework was established after Latvia regained independence and the Saeima’s modern form has operated since the early 1990s.

History and context: The original Saeima was established during Latvia’s interwar period in 1922. After independence was restored in the 1990s, the modern Saeima reestablished its role within the reconstituted constitutional order.