Deputies of the Saeima from the opposition faction "Latvia First" have submitted a draft amendment to the Satversme in parliament. The proposal is to transition to a system of nationwide elections for the president. Currently, the head of state is elected by parliament members. The opposition deputies propose to enshrine in the Constitution that "the president of the country is elected by the eligible voters of the Republic of Latvia in universal, equal, direct, and secret elections." Accordingly, an amendment to the Constitution has also been introduced concerning the procedure for the president's removal from office. While the Saeima can currently remove the president and elect another with a two-thirds majority vote, the proposed amendment stipulates that the Saeima can only initiate the president's removal. Following this, a referendum takes place, and the president is considered dismissed if more than half of those participating in the referendum vote for the removal. Conversely, if more than half are against it, the Saeima is considered dismissed, and extraordinary elections are called. The Saeima will vote on whether to refer the bill to the parliamentary committee at the first plenary session after the break, which will be in September.
