Edvards Smiltēns Rumored as Likely Speaker of Latvia's 15th Saeima

The leadership of the new term of Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, could be taken over by Edvards Smiltēns of the party United List (AS). That is according to information circulating in parliamentary corridors about the post of Speaker of the 15th Saeima. The newly elected deputies will convene for their first session next week, when the chamber's leadership will be chosen.

What is said about other posts

Linda Matisone, an AS politician who already held the post in the 14th Saeima, has also been mentioned for the position of Deputy Speaker. It has not been ruled out that one of these posts could be offered to a representative of the National Alliance, should that party become one of the forces forming the government.

Antoņina Ņenaševa of the party Progressives and former President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis of AS have also been named in the corridors as possible Presidium members.

Secretary posts and unsettled agreements

The posts of Saeima Secretary and Deputy Secretary are traditionally divided among coalition partners and, in some cases, the opposition as well. No final agreement on the composition of the Presidium has been reached. It will largely be determined by the outcome of coalition talks and by the parties' mutual agreements on how posts in parliament are shared.

At the first session, deputies will elect the Speaker, two Deputy Speakers, a Secretary and a Deputy Secretary. Until then, the names mentioned remain unofficial information.