President of Latvia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Latvia |
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| Head of State | |
| Style | Mr. President (informal) His Excellency (diplomatic) |
| Member of | Latvian National Armed Forces |
| Residence | Riga Castle |
| Seat | Riga, Latvia |
| Appointer | Saeima |
| Term length | Four years, renewable once consecutively |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Latvia |
| Inaugural holder | Jānis Čakste |
| Formation | 14 November 1922 |
| Abolished | 1940–1991 |
| Deputy | Speaker of the Saeima |
| Salary | €54,732 annually |
The President of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Valsts prezidents) is the head of state and the leader of the National Armed Forces of Latvia.
The president serves for four years. Before 1999, the term was three years. A president can be elected many times, but only twice in a row. If the president's office becomes empty, the speaker of the Saeima (the head of Latvia's parliament) takes over. For example, after Jānis Čakste died, Pauls Kalniņš, the speaker, was acting president until a new one was chosen.
The president's job is not fully executive, like some other countries. But it's also not just ceremonial, like in Estonia. The president shares power with the government and the prime minister. The president is not directly responsible for their actions in the same way a prime minister is. Most of the president's orders need to be signed by a government member, usually the prime minister, to be valid.
The current president is Edgars Rinkēvičs. He used to be Latvia's foreign minister. He was elected by the Saeima on May 31, 2023. He started his four-year term on July 8, 2023.
Contents
How the Presidency Started in Latvia
The idea of a President for Latvia was first planned in the Satversme (Constitution). This constitution was adopted on February 15, 1922. Before the constitution, there was no separate president. The head of the parliament acted as the head of state.
The first person to act as head of state was Jānis Čakste. He was the chairman of the People's Council of Latvia. He took on this role from November 17, 1918, until the Constitutional Assembly met. Later, as president of the Constitutional Assembly, Čakste continued to act as head of state. This lasted until the constitution was fully in effect and the Saeima (Parliament) met.
On November 14, 1922, the first Saeima elected Jānis Čakste as the first President of Latvia. He took his oath of office on Independence Day, November 18. Čakste was re-elected on November 6, 1925.
After Čakste passed away in 1927, Gustavs Zemgals was elected president on April 8, 1927. Zemgals decided not to run for a second term. Then, Alberts Kviesis was elected president on April 9, 1930. He was re-elected on April 4, 1933.
Kviesis stayed president even after a major change in government on May 15, 1934. This change made the government more authoritarian. When Kviesis's second term was ending, a new law was passed. This law said that Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis would take over as president. So, on April 11, 1936, the roles of president and prime minister were combined. Kārlis Ulmanis held both positions until the Soviet occupation on June 17, 1940.
Latvia During Occupation
The Soviet Union's takeover and illegal addition of Latvia in 1940 did not change Latvia's official laws. Latvia continued to be recognized as a country under international law, even while occupied. During this time, Latvia's diplomatic service continued to work from other countries. They represented Latvia until it became independent again.
During the occupation, there were efforts to bring back Latvia's independence. On September 8, 1944, the Latvian Central Council declared the restoration of the state. This declaration made Pauls Kalniņš, the Speaker of the last elected Saeima, the acting president. After Kalniņš died, the powers of the acting president were taken over by Vice-Speaker Jāzeps Rancāns.
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After Latvia regained its independence in 1990, a separate president's office was not immediately created. Anatolijs Gorbunovs, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Latvia, acted as head of state. This lasted until the constitution was fully restored and the new Saeima met.
The president's office was brought back on July 6, 1993. On July 7, 1993, the Saeima elected Guntis Ulmanis as president. He took his oath the next day. Ulmanis was re-elected in 1996. July 8 became the usual date for the oath of office.
The 7th Saeima elected Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga as the first female president on June 17, 1999. She was re-elected in 2003. The 9th Saeima chose Valdis Zatlers as president in 2007. Zatlers was the first president to be defeated when he tried to be re-elected. The 10th Saeima then picked Andris Bērziņš in 2011. He was followed by Raimonds Vējonis, elected in 2015. Both Bērziņš and Vējonis chose not to run for re-election.
What the President Does
The Latvian Constitution gives the president several important jobs and rights.
Representing Latvia and Leading the Military
The president represents Latvia when dealing with other countries. They appoint Latvia's ambassadors and welcome ambassadors from other nations. The president also makes sure that international agreements approved by the Saeima are put into action (Article 41).
The president is the top leader of Latvia's Armed Forces. If there is a war, the president appoints a Supreme Commander for the military (Article 42).
The president declares war only if the Saeima decides to (Article 43).
If another country declares war on Latvia or invades, the president can take immediate steps to defend the country. At the same time, the president must quickly call the Saeima to decide on declaring war (Article 44).
The president can forgive criminals whose court sentences are final. A special law explains how this right is used (Article 45).
The president can call and lead special meetings of the Cabinet of Ministers (the government). They also decide what will be discussed at these meetings (Article 46).
The president, the prime minister, or at least one-third of the Saeima members can ask for Saeima meetings to be called (Article 20).
At the president's request, or if ten Saeima members, the prime minister, or a minister ask, the Saeima can decide to have a closed meeting. This needs a two-thirds vote of the members present (Article 22).
The president can suggest dissolving the Saeima. If this happens, the people of Latvia vote in a national referendum. If more than half vote to dissolve the Saeima, it is dissolved. New elections are then held within two months (Article 48).
If the Saeima is dissolved, its members still hold their positions until the new Saeima meets. However, the dissolved Saeima can only meet if the president asks it to. The president also sets the agenda for these meetings (Article 49).
The president is not politically responsible for their duties. All their orders, except for dissolving the Saeima (Article 48) and inviting a prime minister candidate (Article 56), must be signed by the prime minister or a minister. This person then takes full responsibility for the order.
The president chooses the person who will form the Cabinet of Ministers (Article 56).
The President's Role in Making Laws
The president has the right to suggest new laws (Article 47).
The president announces laws passed by the Saeima. This happens between 10 and 21 days after the law is adopted. A law usually starts working 14 days after it's announced, unless the law says otherwise (Article 69).
Within ten days of a law being passed, the president can ask the Saeima to rethink it. This request must be written and have reasons. If the Saeima does not change the law, the president cannot object to it again (Article 71).
The president can stop a law from being announced for two months.
The president must stop a law from being announced if at least one-third of the Saeima members ask for it. This can be done by the president or by one-third of the Saeima members within ten days of the law being passed. The stopped law will then be put to a national vote if at least one-tenth of all voters ask for it. If no such request is made within two months, the law is announced. However, a national vote won't happen if the Saeima votes on the law again and at least three-quarters of all members vote for it (Article 72).
If the Saeima decides a law is urgent by a two-thirds vote, the president cannot ask for it to be reconsidered. It also cannot be put to a national vote. The law must be announced within three days of the president receiving it (Article 75).
At least one-tenth of all voters can propose a new law or a change to the Constitution. They submit it to the president, who then presents it to the Saeima (Article 78).
Other Presidential Powers
The president's right to grant mercy to criminals is also detailed in a special law called the Law on Clemency.
Other laws also give the president duties and rights, such as:
- The president must attend the oath-taking of judges.
- The president leads the National Security Council.
- The president can receive information that is a state secret.
- The president proposes candidates for the Commander of the National Armed Forces to the Saeima. The Saeima then approves or dismisses them.
- The president appoints and dismisses ambassadors.
- The president's role in national referendums and starting new laws is specified.
- The president's role in the process of announcing and publishing laws is specified.
- The president awards officer ranks in the military. They can also take away a soldier's rank if they are convicted of a serious crime. The president can also relieve a soldier from active duty during peacetime.
- The president is the commander-in-chief of the National Armed Forces. They establish the President's Military Council. They ask Parliament to decide on declaring or starting a war.
- The president can ask for information from government offices, following rules about using that information.
- The president is a member of the National Security Council and calls its meetings.
- If war is declared or there's a military invasion, the president must act quickly. They issue orders to the military, government, and people. They also call a Parliament meeting to decide on the war and appoint a senior military commander.
- If Parliament cannot meet to decide on a war, the president must order the commander of the National Armed Forces to take full control.
- The president also gives out state awards, as defined in the Law on State Awards.
How the President's Office Works
- The president must follow the same rules about conflicts of interest as other government officials.
- A person who has been president cannot join the military or special service of other countries after leaving office.
- The President's office is managed by the Chancery of the President of Latvia. This office handles all matters related to the president. It is a legal entity with its own seal.
Becoming President
Who Can Be President?
Anyone who is a full citizen of Latvia and is at least 40 years old can be elected president. A person who is a citizen of two countries cannot be president.
The president cannot hold any other job at the same time. If a member of the Saeima is elected president, they must give up their seat in the Saeima.
Elections and Taking Office
To be elected president, a person needs more than half of all the votes from the Saeima members in the first round.
If no one is elected in the first round, another round is held with the same candidates. They still need more than half of the votes. If no one is elected after the second round, more rounds are held. In these rounds, the candidate with the fewest votes from the previous round is removed. This continues until one candidate gets at least 51 votes and becomes President of Latvia. The speaker of the Saeima leads this election process.
When the president takes office, they say a special oath: "I swear that all of my work will be dedicated to the welfare of the people of Latvia. I will do everything in my power to promote the prosperity of the Republic of Latvia and all who live here. I will hold sacred and will observe the Constitution of Latvia and the laws of the State. I will act justly towards all and will fulfil my duties conscientiously."
The President's Term
How Long They Serve
The Saeima elects the president for a four-year term (Article 35). The same person cannot be president for more than eight years in a row.
When the Office is Empty
If the president resigns, dies, or is removed from office before their term ends, the chairperson of the Saeima takes over. They act as president until a new president is elected. The chairperson also takes over if the president is out of Latvia or cannot do their job for any other reason.
The Saeima can remove the president from office. This requires a request from at least half of all Saeima members. The decision is made in a closed meeting with a vote of at least two-thirds of all members.
If the president tries to dissolve the Saeima, but more than half of the votes in the national referendum are against it, then the president is removed from office. The Saeima then elects a new president to finish the remaining term.
Where the President Lives and Works
Riga Castle has been the official home of the president since 1922. In the late 1930s, the castle was made larger and renovated. It got its famous Three Stars Tower, which is the tallest of its six towers. After the Soviet occupation, the castle was renovated again in 1994 to be ready for the president. It has four floors, many rooms for guests, a large office for the president, and museum halls with gifts from other world leaders.
The 3-story Jūrmala Residence is the president's official retreat. It was built in 1971 for important Soviet officials. It was renovated for the president of Latvia in 1993. President Andris Bērziņš chose not to use it because of its past. It has a large park, an indoor swimming pool, a guest room for meetings, and a private beach. It also has a basketball hoop, built for President Zatlers.
During renovations at Riga Castle in the 1990s, presidents used the Maikapars' House in central Riga as a temporary home until 1995. After a big fire in 2013, the president lived at the House of the Blackheads until 2016. During renovations in 2019, President Levits stayed in a guest house.
How the President Travels
The president uses a Lexus car for daily travel. For longer trips within Latvia, they use a Latvian Armed Forces helicopter. For international travel, the president does not have a special plane. They use an AirBaltic plane, which is from Latvia's state-owned airline.
After Being President
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After their term, former presidents may retire from politics. However, some continue to be active. For example, Anatolijs Gorbunovs was involved with a political party in 1995. Valdis Zatlers was involved with a party in 2012. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga continues to give talks and teach about politics in Latvia and other countries.
Every former president receives an office, staff, a car, security, and an apartment in Riga. They also receive a pension based on their salary.
List of Presidents
- Parties
DC LSDSP LZS LTF LC ZZS LZP None
- Status
Acting President
| No. | Portrait | Name (Birth–Death) |
Term of office | Political party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Jānis Čakste (1859–1927) |
17 December 1918 | 14 November 1922 | Democratic Centre |
| 14 November 1922 | 14 March 1927 | ||||
| — |  |
Pauls Kalniņš (1872–1945) |
14 March 1927 | 8 April 1927 | Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party |
| 2 |  |
Gustavs Zemgals (1871–1939) |
8 April 1927 | 11 April 1930 | Democratic Centre |
| 3 |  |
Alberts Kviesis (1881–1944) |
11 April 1930 | 15 May 1934 | Latvian Farmers' Union |
| (3) | 16 May 1934 | 10 April 1936 | Independent | ||
| 4 |  |
Kārlis Ulmanis (1877–1942) |
11 April 1936 | 21 July 1940 | Independent |
| Occupation of Latvia (21 July 1940 – 21 August 1991) | |||||
| Pauls Kalniņš served as acting president from 1944 to 1945 | |||||
| Jāzeps Rancāns served as acting president from 1947 to 1969 | |||||
| — | .jpg) |
Anatolijs Gorbunovs (born 1942) |
21 August 1991 | 13 February 1993 | Popular Front of Latvia |
| (—) | 13 February 1993 | 8 July 1993 | Latvian Way | ||
| 5 |  |
Guntis Ulmanis (born 1939) |
8 July 1993 | 8 July 1999 | Latvian Farmers' Union |
| 6 | -official_portrait_version.png) |
Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga (born 1937) |
8 July 1999 | 8 July 2007 | Independent |
| 7 |  |
Valdis Zatlers (born 1955) |
8 July 2007 | 8 July 2011 | Independent |
| 8 | .jpg) |
Andris Bērziņš (born 1944) |
8 July 2011 | 8 July 2015 | Union of Greens and Farmers |
| 9 |  |
Raimonds Vējonis (born 1966) |
8 July 2015 | 8 July 2019 | Latvian Green Party |
| 10 | .jpg) |
Egils Levits (born 1955) |
8 July 2019 | 8 July 2023 | Independent |
| 11 | .jpg) |
Edgars Rinkēvičs (born 1973) |
8 July 2023 | Incumbent (Term ends on 8 July 2027) |
Unity |
See Also
In Spanish: Presidente de Letonia para niños
- List of presidents of Latvia by age
- Lists of office-holders
- List of chairmen of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic ("head of state" during the occupation era)
