As Latvia’s 14th Saeima concluded its work on Thursday, Speaker of Parliament Daiga Mieriņa of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) called on lawmakers to maintain respect for the Saeima and democratic values, stressing that the country is always greater than any political party, parliamentary group or parliamentary term.
In her final address to the outgoing parliament, Mieriņa acknowledged that the past four years had not been easy and had required considerable work, patience and compromise. Nevertheless, lawmakers had managed to maintain dialogue even when their opinions differed.
The Speaker recalled that during the 14th Saeima’s term, parliament held 219 sittings, conducted 7,911 votes, adopted 1,060 laws and held 3,555 committee meetings.
She emphasised that the Saeima is a mirror of society, reflecting what Latvia has been and what it is today.
Mieriņa thanked lawmakers for their contributions to strengthening parliamentarism, democracy and the Latvian state, noting that every member of parliament had left their mark over the four years, whether through adopted legislation, initiatives or parliamentary debates.
She stressed that in a democracy, there are no small or large mandates, only the trust of voters granted for a limited period.
Addressing lawmakers who will continue serving in the next parliament, Mieriņa encouraged them to retain the ability to listen not only to their own voters but also to those who hold different views.
She also urged them to respect parliamentary traditions and the people on whose behalf decisions are made.
At the same time, Mieriņa noted that society is changing and a new generation is knocking on parliament’s doors, bringing its own perspectives and expectations of politics.
She stressed that politicians must be willing to listen to this generation and make room for new representatives.
Mieriņa emphasised that no politician is irreplaceable, as members of parliament serve for a limited time, while Latvia, democracy and the people they serve remain.
Concluding her address, the Speaker wished lawmakers success in both their political careers and personal challenges.
She also quoted author and speaker Neale Donald Walsch, saying that a true leader is not someone who has the most followers, but someone who creates the most leaders.
Mieriņa ended her speech with the traditional Latvian wish: “May Latvia live as long as the sun!”