There is not enough support in current Saeima for changing electoral system - Rinkevics

  • 2025-04-23
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - There is not enough support in the current Saeima for amendments to the Constitution to change the electoral system, the procedure for electing the president of Latvia or to give the president more powers, President Edgars Rinkevics told reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) on Wednesday.

As reported, on February 17 Rinkevics said that he expected politicians to discuss not only a revision of the regulation for initiating referendums, but also a reform of the electoral system, the appointment of certain public officials and the idea of a popularly elected president.

Today, Rinkevics told reporters that these matters were partly discussed on February 17. He said it was obvious now that there was not enough support in Saeima for extensive changes to the electoral system, elections of the president, or giving the president more powers.

In the meantime, Saeima committees are already working on these issues, said Rinkevics. He believes that discussions on the appointment of certain officials are proceeding in a constructive manner.

Saeima committees have not yet considered lowering the threshold for initiating referendums, but discussions about the appointment of other state officials are under way, added Rinkevics. He expressed his readiness to discuss these issues further.

"In presenting these bills, our aim is to improve and organize the system," said Rinkevics. "We can achieve a good result, but it will take time," he said.