What the new demographic commission in the Saeima will focus on

The change of name and the expansion of the commission's powers was proposed by the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina (SCP). The amendments to the Saeima's regulations have already been supported and have come into force. Mitrevics supports the changes, noting the need to pay more attention to demographics against the backdrop of declining birth rates. According to him, this area includes not only birth rates but also the age structure of the population, the number of working-age residents, migration, and mortality. The previous commission also dealt with demographic issues, interacted with the Ministry of Welfare, and considered budget proposals. In light of the expanded powers, Mitrevics does not consider it necessary to maintain a separate sub-commission on demographics. The politician also believes that the executive branch should be more actively engaged in addressing demographic issues, as they have often remained among the secondary priorities until now. Commenting on the possible reform of parliamentary commissions, Mitrevics noted that the commission on sustainable development and demographics could take over some issues from the commission on national economy, agriculture, environmental, and regional policy, which, according to several politicians, is overloaded. He also suggested more clearly delineating the areas of responsibility among the commissions depending on which ministries prepare the relevant issues. The specific distribution still needs to be discussed. The National Alliance is ready to take the lead in the new commission, as demographics and family support are among the party's priorities. Mitrevics does not rule out the possibility of continuing to work as chair, but the decision will depend on the faction. Earlier, the Speaker of the Saeima, Edwards Smiltens, stated the need to reconsider the work of the commission on sustainable development and parliamentary sub-commissions. He also suggested considering the possibility of splitting the overloaded commission on national economy, agriculture, environmental, and regional policy into two. In Smiltens' opinion, sub-commissions should be created to address specific tasks with established goals and deadlines, rather than operating throughout the entire parliamentary term. Smiltens announced that on November 10, he would propose to the presidium of the Saeima and the faction council to agree on the principles of forming commissions and the deadlines for nominating candidates so that they could start working by November 18.