The Republic of Latvia, a former Soviet republic, has developed a functional representative democracy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Political System

The Republic of Latvia is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Riga. The country declared its independence from Soviet Russia on November 18, 1918. On May 4, 1990, Latvia renewed its declaration of independence, which the Soviet Union officially recognized on August 21, 1991. The republic officially celebrates its independence on November 18.

Latvia’s current constitution was originally adopted on February 15, 1922. The Supreme Council adopted the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Latvia on August 21, 1991, which restored the Constitution’s power. The document allows for universal suffrage for Latvian citizens at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Latvia consists of 26 counties (rajons) and seven municipalities:

• Aizkraukle Rajons
• Aluksne Rajons
• Balvi Rajons
• Bauska Rajons
• Cesis Rajons
• Daugavpils Rajons
• Daugavpils
• Dobele Rajons
• Gulbene Rajons
• Jekabpils Rajons
• Jelgava Rajons
• Jelgava
• Jurmala
• Kraslava Rajons
• Kuldiga Rajons
• Liepaja Rajons
• Liepaja
• Limbazi Rajons
• Ludza Rajons
• Madona Rajons
• Ogre Rajons
• Preili Rajons
• Rezekne Rajons
• Rezekne
• Riga Rajons
• Riga
• Saldus Rajons
• Talsi Rajons
• Tukums Rajons
• Valka Rajons
• Valmiera Rajons
• Ventspils Rajons
• Ventspils

Executive Branch

The President is Latvia’s chief of state. This person is elected by Parliament to a four year term. The Latvian Constitution does not enforce term limits for this office. Valdis Zatlers, the current President, was elected to the position on July 8, 2007.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, nominated by the President and appointed by Parliament. Aigars Kalvitis, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on December 2, 2004.

All members of the Council of Ministers are appointed by Parliament after nomination by the prime minister. The current ministers are:

• Agriculture - Martins Roze
• Children and Family Affairs - Ainars Bastiks
• Culture - Helena Demakova
• Defense - Atis Slakteris
• Economics - Aigars Kalvitis
• Education & Science - Baiba Rivza
• Environment - Raimonds Vejonis
• Finance - Oskars Spurdzins
• Foreign Affairs - Artis Pabriks
• Health - Vinets Veldre
• Interior - Ivars Godmanis
• Justice - Gaidis Berzins
• Regional Development and Local-governments - Aigars Stokenbergs
• Special Assignments for Administration of European Union Funds - Normunds Broks
• Special Assignments for Electronic Government Affairs - Ina Gudele
• Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs - Oskars Kastens
• Transport - Ainars Slesers
• Welfare - Dagnija Stake

Legislative Branch

The Latvian Parliament (Saeima) is a unicameral body consisting of 100 officials. Members are elected by popular vote via proportional representation from party lists. Each member serves a four year term.

The current structure of the Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):

• People’s Party (TP) - 23
• The Union of Latvian Greens and Farmers Party (ZZS) - 18
• New Era Party (JL) - 18
• Harmony Center (SC) - 17
• First Party of Latvia/Latvia’s Way (LPP/LC) - 10
• For the Fatherland & Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement (TB/LNNK) - 8
• For Human Rights in a United Latvia (PCTVL) - 6

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts. Judicial appointments for both courts are confirmed by Parliament.

Legal System

The Latvian legal system is based on civil law, with traces of Socialist legal traditions and practices. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Latvijas Republikas Saeima Official Website.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia Official Website.