Analytics, Latvia, Legislation

Earlier today, the 12th Saeima, which is holding its first meeting today, elected a temporary Mandate, Ethics and Submissions Committee. Later on, members of the 12th Saeima took a solemn oath: "I, upon assuming the duties of a member of the Saeima, before the people of Latvia, do swear (solemnly promise) to be loyal to Latvia, to strengthen its sovereignty and the Latvian language as the only official language, to defend Latvia as an independent and democratic state and to fulfill my duties honestly and conscientiously. I undertake to observe the Constitution and laws of Latvia."

One MP, Juris Vilums from Latgale insisted on taking the oath in Latgalian. After his request was denied by the outgoing Saeima Chairwoman Solvita Aboltina, Vilums still said that he would not take the oath in literary Latvian language, and his MP's mandate was therefore not confirmed today.

As reported, Harmony has won the largest number of seats in the 12th Saeima – 24, Unity has 23 seats, Union of Greens and Farmers – 21, All For Latvia-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK (VL-TB/LNNK) – seventeen, the Alliance of Regions of Latvia – eight, and For Latvia From The Heart – seven. Unity's MP Dzintars Zakis has temporarily suspended his party membership following reports implicating him in vote buying in Latgale province.

The following MPs have been elected to the 12th Saeima from Harmony: Janis Urbanovics, Andrejs Klementjevs, Boriss Cilevics, Sergejs Mirskis, Ivans Klementjevs, Arturs Rubiks, Sergejs Potapkins, Igors Pimenovs, Nikita Nikiforovs, Mihails Zemlinskis, Julija Stepanenko, Regina Locmele-Lunova, Sergejs Dolgopolovs, Janis Adamsons, Ivars Zarins, Vitalijs Orlovs, Zenta Tretjaka, Andrejs Elksnins, Ivans Ribakovs, Janis Tutins, Vladimirs Nikonovs, Marjana Ivanova-Jevsejeva, Raimonds Rubiks and Valerijs Agesins.

Unity is represented by Edgars Rinkevics, Rihards Kozlovskis, Andrejs Judins, Ojars Eriks Kalnins, Aleksejs Loskutovs, Ilze Vinkele, Lolita Cigane, Laimdota Straujuma, Inesis Bokis, Karlis Sadurskis, Ainars Latkovskis, Janis Upenieks, Vilnis Kirsis, Romualds Razuks, Atis Lejins, Janis Reirs, Juris Sulcs, Dzintars Zakis, Aldis Adamovics, Anrijs Matiss, Inese Libina-Egnere, Janis Junkurs, Ints Dalderis.

MPs elected from the Greens/Farmers Union: Guntis Belevics, Maris Kucinskis, Karlis Serzants, Janis Duklavs, Ingmars Lidaka, Armands Krauze, Andris Silins, Artis Rasmanis, Ainars Mezulis, Augusts Brigmanis, Uldis Augulis, Raimonds Bergmanis, Andris Berzins, Raimonds Vejonis, Rihards Eigims, Janis Klauzs, Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Aija Barca, Janis Vucans, Gundars Daudze, Valdis Skujins.

VL-TB/LNNK is represented by MPs Dace Melbarde, Einars Cilinskis, Dzintars Rasnacs, Ilmars Latkovskis, Inguna Ribena, Raivis Dzintars, Janis Dombrava, Inara Murniece, Romans Naudins, Karlis Kreslins, Rihards Kols, Edvins Snore, Imants Paradnieks, Andris Buikis, Inese Laizane, Gaidis Berzins, Janina Kursite-Pakule.

Representing the Alliance of Regions are MPs Arturs Kaimins, Martins Sics, Inga Bite, Martins Bondars, Janis Ruks, Dainis Liepins, Juris Vilums, Nellija Kleinberga.

And the following For Latvia From The Heart representatives have been elected to the 12th Saeima: Inguna Sudraba, Romans Mezeckis, Gunars Kutris, Arvids Platpers, Aivars Meija, Silvija Simfa, Ringolds Balodis.