Smiltēns: Aim is to start work on a new Criminal Procedure Law
Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns plans to set up a working group within four months to assess the need for a completely new Criminal Procedure Law, while pursuing other reforms in justice and digitalization.
In an interview with LETA, Latvian Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns (AS) outlined his short-term and long-term priorities. One key goal is to initiate the process of drafting a new Criminal Procedure Law, even though a full rewrite cannot be accomplished in just a few months. The ministry has already begun consultations with the judiciary, the bar association, and the Prosecutor General. An agreement was reached at the Judicial Council to create a working group under its auspices, including representatives from all stakeholders. The group will identify main issues in the application of the current law and, after three to four months, provide a reasoned recommendation on whether a completely new law is needed.
Achievements and reforms
Smiltēns noted that initial steps have been taken. Amendments to the Civil Protection and Disaster Management Law were prepared in an emergency procedure and adopted by the Saeima on June 18. An inter-ministerial meeting on a compensation mechanism for drone-caused losses was held, but discussions stalled over details. An agreement with the Supreme Court Chair has been reached on judicial system reform: judge assistants will gradually be transformed into court lawyers, with salaries expected to rise from €1,600 to €2,600 before tax, aiming to improve judgment quality and case processing speed.
Modernization and digitalization
The minister emphasized the need to modernize public administration, citing Estonia as an example where the Ministry of Justice also oversees digitalization. Latvia has launched a pilot project to automate cadastral valuation using artificial intelligence. Currently, this work costs €6–7 million annually. Automation could save at least €5 million, with implementation costs of €1.8 million in the first year and about €1.6 million thereafter. Smiltēns stressed that the goal is not to increase property tax but to create a useful tool for society.
Issues in criminal proceedings
Smiltēns admitted that criminal cases still take too long, especially at the appellate level. He compared the current Criminal Procedure Law to a 20-year-old car that has undergone over 60 amendments. Prolonged processes damage reputation and investment, as frozen assets can destroy businesses even if charges are later dropped. He stressed the need for balance between a fair trial and reasonable timelines.
Regarding illegal migrant smuggling, Smiltēns noted that initially courts imposed too lenient sentences. After cooperation with security services and educating judges, the situation improved. He emphasized that the judiciary plays a key role in economic growth—it can be either a "handbrake" or an "accelerator."
