On Tuesday, 1 November, the 14th Saeima will gather for its first meeting.
Saeima’s press-service reminds that the first meeting of the parliament will be opened by 13th Saeima’s speaker Ināra Mūrniece. She will remain the parliament’s speaker until a new one has been elected. President Egils Levits is expected to address the new parliament with a speech.
At the first meeting of the Saeima deputies will elect vote counters, as well as an interim Mandates, Ethics and Submissions Committee. Its members check ballots and complaints about elections if any are received by the Central Election Commission. The commission also prepares reports to the parliament about approval of deputies.
Deputies elected to the 14th Saeima and approved to work in the parliament then give a solemn vow: «I, upon assuming duties of a member of the Saeima, before the people of Latvia, do swear (solemnly promise) to be loyal to Latvia, to strengthen its sovereignty and the Latvian language as the only official language, to defend Latvia as an independent and democratic State, and to fulfil my duties honestly and conscientiously. I shall comply with the Constitution and laws of Latvia.»
Once deputies give their vow, the parliament votes on the legislative draft on approval of 14th Saeima deputies’ authority.
At the first meeting, the Saeima also elects the Saeima Praesidium, Saeima speaker and both vices, the secretary and assistant. All votes are held openly.
In accordance with the Cabinet Structure Law, the first meeting of the Saeima means the incumbent government has therefore resigned. The meeting is therefore concluded with an announcement from the government regarding the end of its term. The government will continue performing its duties until the Saeima has approved a new Cabinet of Ministers.
In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, the newly-elected Saeima is to gather for the first meeting on the first Tuesday of November. This is also when the previous Saeima’s term officially ends.
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