LTV: Smiltēns Could Become Speaker of the 15th Saeima

Latvian Television (LTV) reports that Edvards Smiltēns of the United List (AS), the outgoing justice minister, may become the next Speaker of the Saeima, the parliament of Latvia, in its 15th term.

Other outlets, including Apollo.lv, are relaying the information published by LTV. The broadcaster supports its claim with what several sources have told it, but it does not name those sources.

Previous experience as speaker

Running the Saeima would not be new territory for Smiltēns, since he already has experience in the speaker's post. That background is cited as one factor behind his possible candidacy for the position.

What remains unclear

The available information does not say whether a decision on the distribution of top posts has already been made, or when the Saeima might vote on its speaker. It also gives no details on how other political parties, or Smiltēns himself, respond to the possibility.

For now, then, the report reflects unofficial information rather than a confirmed decision. The final choice of the Saeima's speaker will be made by the newly elected parliament as part of its work.