The Government and Political System in Latvia

Latvia’s official name is the Republic of Latvia or Latvijas Republika in its local language. It is formerly known as the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic when it was under the Soviet regime. Its type of government practiced is parliamentary democracy.

Latvia has 26 counties and 7 municipalities. These counties are: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgavas Rajons, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezeknes Rajons, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajon, and Ventspils Rajons. Its 7 municipalities are: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Ventspils, and Riga which is the country’s capital city.

The executive branch of the government is composed of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet of Ministers. The President acts as the chief of state and is elected by the Parliament for a 4-year term. He is eligible to run for a 2nd term. The Prime Minister acts as the head of government and is appointed by the President (appointment confirmed by the Parliament). The Cabinet of Ministers is nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed thereafter by the Parliament.

The legislative branch of the government is composed of a unicameral parliament called the Saeima. The Saeima has 100 seats whose members are elected by popular vote by proportional representation from the party lists.

The judicial branch of the government is composed of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. Judges in both courts are appointed by the executive branch and confirmed thereafter by the Parliament.