Mieriņa and Matisone to Serve as Acting President During Rinkēvičs’ Absence

President Edgars Rinkēvičs has announced that he will be outside Latvia from June 27 until 1:00 PM on June 29. According to the Constitution, the Speaker of the Saeima assumes presidential duties during the president’s absence. However, this time the situation is complicated because Speaker Daiga Mieriņa will also be abroad from June 28 to June 29.

As a result, on June 27, Mieriņa will act as president. From June 28 until 1:00 PM on June 29, the acting president will be Antra Matisone, the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima. Matisone was elected as deputy speaker on June 4, following a change of government that saw Andris Kulbergs of the United List become prime minister.

This succession arrangement is in line with the Latvian Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the Saeima. The President’s office has officially informed about this plan.