State in Latvia

Latvia, officially Latvijas Republika, is a parliamentary republic. The Satversme is its constitution and defines the main institutions, rights, and rules of democratic government. The Saeima is Latvia’s national parliament. It makes laws, approves the state budget, supervises the government, and elects the President of Latvia. The Cabinet of Ministers is the national government. It is led by the Prime Minister and manages public administration, prepares policies, and carries out laws passed by the Saeima. The President of Latvia is the head of state. The president represents Latvia, performs constitutional duties, and can influence public debate, but does not normally direct everyday government policy. Independent courts decide legal disputes and review criminal and civil cases. The Constitutional Court examines whether laws and other legal rules comply with the Satversme. Latvia has both national and municipal government. Municipalities organize important local services such as local roads, social assistance, schools, planning, and community facilities within their legal responsibilities. Public authorities generally communicate in Latvian, the official language. Residents often deal with the state through national or municipal offices and through digital public services. Latvia is also a member of the European Union. EU rules and institutions therefore affect some areas, while Latvia keeps its own constitution, parliament, government, courts, and local administration. The state gives people ways to protect their interests through elections, petitions, administrative procedures, courts, and public participation. These channels have limits because each institution may act only within its legal powers.