Judiciary plays a significant role in strengthening Latvia's security - president

RIGA - The judiciary plays a significant role in strengthening Latvia's security, President Edgars Rinkevics said on Monday during a meeting with Supreme Court President Aigars Strupiss.

As the president's adviser Martins Dregeris told LETA, the officials discussed the Latvian courts' performance in 2024, as well as the current activities of the Judicial Council.

Rinkevics stressed that strengthening Latvia's security remains a constant priority this year, and the judiciary plays an important role in this respect. In the president's words, it is the courts that implement the sentencing policy approved by the legislator, the aim of which is to ensure that the application of the Criminal Law is effective and prevents harm to the interests of the state and society.

It is equally important to continue clarifying court rulings in order to strengthen public confidence in the legality and fairness of judicial work, Rinkevics said.

The officials also discussed efforts to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the judiciary, including the contribution of the newly established Academy of Justice to the professional education of judges, prosecutors and court staff.

As reported, Strupiss' first term of office ends on June 15. He previously said that he plans to run for the post of Supreme Court President repeatedly, as the court is in the process of streamlining its procedures and implementing an AI project, which have to be completed.

The law provides that the President of the Supreme Court is appointed by the Saeima for a five-year term from among the Supreme Court judges on the proposal of the Plenary of the Supreme Court. The same person may not serve as President of the Supreme Court for more than two consecutive terms.