Today, on 16 September, the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, visited Constitutional Court to take part in opening of the book ‘Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. Opinion of Constitutional Court’ and discussion of constitutional law developments in Latvia.
During the opening of the book ‘Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. Opinion of Constitutional Court’, President of the Constitutional Court, Ineta Ziemele, stressed that the Constitutional Court plays a special role in the constitutional system of Latvia. Present-day Constitutional Court not only review the constitutionality of legal norms, but also facilitates dialogue with other constitutional institutions, society and mass media. President Levits agreed with President Ziemele and other constitutional court justices that it is necessary to strengthen the independence of the Constitutional court both in financial and governance terms. Independence of the Constitutional Court is essential in ensuring that it can fulfil its functions according to the principles of the rule of law.
In conclusion, President of the Constitutional Court, Ineta Ziemele, briefed the President of Latvia about Constitutional Court’s plans for the coming 100 years of Satversme (Constitution of Latvia) in 2022. President of the Constitutional Court invited President Levits to attend the ceremonial hearing of the Constitutional Court to inaugurate the centenary of Satversme on 10 January 2020, and also participate in the international conference organised by the European Union courts, which will take place on 21-22 March 2020.
About ‘Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. Opinion of Constitutional Court’
This book is a collaboration between the Constitutional Court, official publisher ‘Latvijas Vēstnesis’ and book designer Dita Pence. It is a compilation of more than 400 Constitutional Court judgements which provide interpretation of the Satversme, and its full text, published by ‘Latvijas Vēstnesis’ Publishing.
Vice-president of the Constitutional Court, Sanita Osipova, emphasised that the Court has been offering explanations about constitutional provisions for more than 20 years. Satversme is the most important and valuable creation of the people of Latvia. Constitutional Court is responsible for implementation of Satversme. It ensures that Satversme is an integral and vibrant part of the civic society. It also guarantees that everyone knows and understands what our fundamental law says.
Book contains beautiful illustrations from children’s drawing and essay competitions organised by the Constitutional Court, ‘My Satversme’ and ‘My basic rights in Satversme’.
Collection of judgements brings people closer to the fundamental law. Through its judgements, Court presents the interpretation of constitutional provisions from the perspective of fundamental values attributed to a democratic state governed by the rule of law. Book also promotes civic awareness and culture, strenghtens every Latvian inhabitant’s internal freedom.
