Politics

The politics of Latvia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. The President holds a primarily ceremonial role as Head of State. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament, the Saeima. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Executive Branch

The president is elected by Parliament for a four-year term (amended from a three-year term on 4 December 1997). The prime minister is appointed by the president. The prime minister then chooses the Council of Ministers, which has to be approved by the Parliament.

Legislative Branch

The unicameral Parliament (Saeima) has 100 members, elected for a four year term by proportional representation with a 5% threshold. The parliamentary elections are held on the first Saturday of October. Locally, Latvia elects municipal councils, consisting of 7 to 60 members, depending on the size of the municipality, also by proportional representation for a four year term.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court judges' appointments are confirmed by Parliament.

Foreign Relations

In a nation-wide referendum on September 20, 2003, 66.9% of those taking part voted in favour of joining the European Union. Latvia became a full-fledged member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Latvia has been a NATO member since March 29, 2004. Although membership in the EU and NATO were the major goals of Latvia through the 1990s, Latvian politicians today are often criticised for being unable to gain benefits out of Latvia's membership.

Latvia has had strained relations with Russian Federation due to Russian discontent with Latvian language and citizenship policies, as well as Latvia's requests for Russia to recognise it as continuous with the first Latvian Republic and acknowledge consequences of Soviet occupation.