Latvia must have one of most efficient judicial systems in Europe - Kulbergs

RIGA - Latvia must have one of the five most efficient judicial systems in Europe, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) said Friday at the conference "The Court Beyond the Codes: The Role of the Supreme Court in the Development of the State and Society".

He pointed out that it is not the government’s role to tell the courts how to rule, but rather to ensure that the courts have the necessary resources and personnel.

At the same time, the prime minister said that he sees every day how court rulings are changing the country. Meanwhile, in the recent Saeima elections, the people have spoken in favor of change. Kulbergs pointed out that if there is a desire for change, it must also take place in the economy, and the economy must be the top priority for the next 4-8 years.

"For this to happen, investment is needed. For there to be investment, the key is a solid foundation - a fair and swift trial. I emphasize: a swift trial!" said the prime minister.

The politician cited the latest data on the trials of corruption cases as an example, noting that, on average, such cases take three years to be heard in the first instance.

Likewise, he said, for companies, the specific outcome of a court decision may not be decisive, but the speed at which the decision is reached is crucial, because during the proceedings a company may go bankrupt and disappear, and then, in the end, the whole process would be pointless.

"An effective court system is the foundation of the economy. If we have a swift and fair court system, with an emphasis on speed, then that is the key foundation for promoting competitiveness and entrepreneurship," Kulbergs emphasized.

Speaking about security, the prime minister noted that we are living in a time of hybrid operations targeting Latvia, sanctions evasion, and information operations. The rule of law serves as a line of defense in these circumstances. A country where the courts work quickly and fairly is less vulnerable, he noted.

The prime minister also emphasized that court decisions must be understandable and well-explained.

"If we want real change in the country - the change voters have voted for - then that change must also take place in the courts. And Latvia must be among the five most effective judicial systems in Europe. That must be our goal. Just as I have said about public administration," Kulbergs noted, adding that technology and artificial intelligence can certainly help achieve this speed.

Following Kulbergs’ speech, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court asked to meet with him, to which the prime minister replied with a laugh, "Only if we are going to talk about speed".

As previously reported, the conference is attended by judges - senators, presidents of regional courts and district (city) courts, judges from the Constitutional Court and the General Court of the European Union, as well as chief justices and judges from 14 European countries.

Also participating in the conference are faculty members from the University of Latvia, Faculty of Law and other faculties, officials from the judicial system, representatives from several ministries, as well as representatives from the Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia.