First of all it is necessary to compose committees in the new Saeima that would have balanced representation. This means a sufficient number of representatives from the opposition who are experts of their respective fields. On top of that the Saeima will need to address the most topical issues – security and energy. As for security, the new Saeima speaker Edvards Smiltēns mentioned in his interview to BNN that it is unlikely the 14th Saeima will have work groups for cooperation with Russia and Belarus.
Smiltēns said in his address to the Saeima as the new speaker he reminded that the Saeima is the highest decision-making body in the country and society has given it a trust mandate. This means that the parliament needs to start working even if the Cabinet of Ministers is not yet composed. «And there will be no groups or agreements with Russia and Belarus.»
One of the first topics the 14th Saeima will need to address, according to Smiltēns, is the defence sector. State budget composition is also on the list of priorities. «We have to find compensatory mechanisms and alternative energy sources – it is necessary to establish independence from Russia, which is important, especially in the context of security. The price shock is enormous for our residents. This means we have to find the best possible compensatory mechanisms,» Smiltēns told BNN.
The politician also said he would welcome progress with corruption prevention and preventive measures, because these two issues are always topical.
As for involvement of the opposition and taking into account their proposals, Smiltēns said he has worked a great deal in opposition throughout his political career. He knows very well what it means to be in the minority.
«I would invite my colleagues to keep in minds that under parliamentary democracy it is important to listen to the minority and their proposals, as well as discuss ideas in detail.»
Smiltēns also allowed for the opposition to divide within itself after some time, leaving one side as constructive opposition. Smiltēns also stressed that all 100 deputies elected to the parliament received trust for the population, and they should work together to accomplish common goals.
The Saeima speaker also mentioned that in the previous parliament certain deputies did not exactly behave in line with standards of ethics and traditions of the Saeima. «Certain deputies used the Saeima tribune to an incomprehensible level. Previous speaker Ināra Mūrniece had to deal with a very difficult task – maintaining order during Saeima meetings.»
Smiltēns considers his meeting with Ukraine’s ambassador Oleksandr Mischenko as an important and notable start of his diplomatic activities. «During my meeting with Ukraine’s ambassador I made a symbolic joke when I said I’d planned to visit all four Baltic States – Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine. I wanted to pass my sentiment that we admire that Ukrainians are physically fighting for all important values – freedom, independence and democracy.»