Mieriņa says 14th Saeima endured a difficult four-year term

Latvia’s 14th Saeima faced a demanding four years but kept up dialogue despite sharp differences, Speaker Daiga Mieriņa said at the parliament’s final session on Thursday, according to LSM.

The parliament held 219 sessions and 3,555 committee meetings, conducted 7,911 votes and passed 1,060 laws during its term, Mieriņa said.

She said the Saeima was never perfect, nor was society, and noted that lawmakers had left their mark through laws, initiatives and positions they defended. “Not everything makes the headlines, but that does not lessen the importance of the contribution,” she said.

Mieriņa thanked lawmakers for their work to strengthen parliamentarism, democracy and the Latvian state. She urged those returning for the 15th Saeima to listen not only to their voters but also to people who think differently, and to respect parliament, its traditions and the people affected by its decisions. She also stressed the importance of listening to younger generations.

The newly elected Saeima is due to hold its first session on November 3.