Liepiņa: Higher Education Does Not Automatically Mean Wisdom

Linda Liepiņa, a member of the Latvian parliament (Saeima) from the LPV party, commented on the education of newly elected deputies of the 15th Saeima on the TV24 programme "Preses klubs" (Press Club). She said that higher education alone does not mean wisdom, and that formal education is not the only criterion for judging a person's abilities.

Liepiņa expressed hope that the new deputies had stated their education accurately, whether they actually studied at universities or attended various courses abroad. She acknowledged that well-educated people in parliament would be desirable, but noted that a person without higher education can also be elected to the Saeima.

According to the deputy, she has met people in her life who have not only knowledge gained through education but also life wisdom. "Sometimes a homeless man by the church is wiser than some people sitting in high chairs, so education is a tricky question," Liepiņa said.

Deputies' education in numbers

The new 15th Saeima began work with 100 deputies, most of whom have higher education. That applies to 95 of them, while four have secondary education and one has basic education.

The most common degrees and professional qualifications among deputies are in economics, entrepreneurship and management, which account for about a third of all degrees and qualifications. The Saeima also includes lawyers, doctors, engineers and representatives of the humanities.

Seven deputies hold a doctorate, including in clinical medicine, history, political science, environmental engineering and legal science. Less common professions are also represented in parliament, such as ship captain, conductor and plant physiologist.