Smiltēns Eyed for Saeima Speaker, Vējonis for Deputy Speaker Post
The 41 deputies of the Unity List agreed on Monday that the group should hold two posts in the Saeima presidium. Edvards Smiltēns is slated for speaker and Raimonds Vējonis for the second deputy speaker's post.
Two representatives of the political group "Apvienotais saraksts" (the Unity List) are likely to sit in the presidium of the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. The arrangement was reached on Monday, when the group's 41 deputies met to discuss how to divide the posts. Latvian Television reported the outcome, citing information it has obtained.
Who is slated for which post
The post of Saeima speaker is intended for Edvards Smiltēns. He has held this office before, so this would be a return to the position.
Raimonds Vējonis could become the Saeima's second deputy speaker. He is a former President of Latvia and was elected to the parliament from the Unity List.
What this means
The Saeima presidium is the leading group of officials that organises the parliament's work. It consists of the speaker and his deputies. If the agreement is carried out, the Unity List will hold two presidium posts, including the head of parliament.
The information so far rests on Latvian Television's sources. The source does not say when the Saeima will vote on these posts, nor whether other parliamentary groups will back the proposal.
