Were the speakers summoned? Edwards Smiltenš returns to the chair of the parliament

Typically, the posts of prime minister and speaker are shared between two ruling parties. However, the confident victory of the United List (UL) in the elections - 41 mandates - allows this political force to claim almost the entire package of power, including the two highest positions in the state. Thus, the representative of the UL, Andris Kulbergs, will not only lead the government but also preside over the Saeima. Today, following the voting results, Edwards Smiltenš, who has extensive parliamentary experience and previously held the position of speaker for a year in the last parliament, achieved a decisive victory. Smiltenš received 79 votes, while 15 were against. Thus, it can be assumed that the 15 deputies supported the second candidate, Yulia Stepanenko (Sovereign Power - Young Latvians), who was nominated by deputy Rudolf Bremanis. It is worth noting that the speaker of the Saeima not only conducts plenary sessions but also carries out significant inter-parliamentary work and substitutes for the president during his absence from the country or in case of illness. The speaker of the Saeima is one of the protected officials in the country, alongside the president, prime minister, and attorney general.