In the Saeima of Latvia, opposition bills face a steep climb, with at least 80 percent rejected outright before discussions even begin. This systemic hurdle means many initiatives never reach parliamentary committees, creating what is described as a “brotherly grave” of stalled legislation.
Even bills that pass the “zero reading”—the initial referral to a committee—are not guaranteed a final vote. Control rests largely with committee chairs, who are typically representatives of the ruling coalition and can delay “wrong” bills for months or years.
The Stalled Gender Amendment
One prominent example of this legislative deadlock is a constitutional amendment from the “Latvia First” faction, which has waited nearly a year for consideration. The proposal seeks to amend the Satversme to recognize only two genders: male and female.
While the amendment was supported in the zero reading by the opposition and the ruling coalition’s “green farmers,” its future is uncertain. With less than four months of work remaining for the current parliament, the amendment may be buried.
A Pattern of Inactivity
Other initiatives have faced similar fates, including a 2024 proposal from the “Stability!” faction regarding social guarantees for self-employed parents on leave. This bill has remained off the committee agenda for nearly two years.
Similarly, a December 2022 proposal from the “green farmers” to halt advance tax payments for individuals engaged in economic activities remains unaddressed. The National Alliance’s initiative regarding property tax discounts for large and low-income families has also seen little progress.
Provocations and Road Funds
Committee chairs frequently avoid bills perceived as populist or pre-election in nature. For instance, a draft Declaration from the National Alliance calling for a ban on the Russian language in public places has not been rushed for consideration.
Efforts to revive the Road Fund by “Latvia First” also face uncertainty. The initiative proposes that vehicle operation taxes be used primarily for road repairs and construction rather than being credited to the general treasury.
two similar bills from the National Alliance and “Latvia First” regarding the automatic inheritance of second-level pension savings were recently sent to committee, though they may not reach actual discussion.
When Coalition Will Falters
Delays are not limited to the opposition. The Ministry of Economics, controlled by the “green farmers,” developed a bill on solidarity payments for fuel traders that is now facing prolonged consideration due to a lack of support from coalition partners.
Even President Rinkēvičs has seen a legislative initiative stall, marking a clear precedent. His proposal to liberalize the procedure for launching referendums has not been prioritized, as rulers appear reluctant to make it easier for voters to conduct such referendums.
The Long Road to Adoption
The immigration bill serves as a rare exception to these delays. Prepared by the Ministry of the Interior in early 2022, it has spent years moving through the system after being conceptually approved by the previous parliament.
The new Saeima took up the bill in November 2022 and began the second reading late last year. Following the submission of 177 amendments, the law is expected to be adopted by the end of this month, four years after it was first written.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “zero reading” in the Saeima?
The zero reading is the initial stage where deputies decide whether a bill should be referred to a parliamentary committee for further consideration.
Why are some bills delayed even after being supported in the zero reading?
The agenda for the first reading is determined solely by the committee chair. Since most chairs are from the ruling coalition, they can delay bills that are deemed “wrong” or politically disadvantageous.
Which bill took nearly four years to reach the adoption stage?
The new immigration bill, prepared by the Ministry of the Interior in early 2022, is expected to be adopted by the end of this month.
Do you believe the current committee system in the Saeima effectively balances ruling coalition goals with opposition initiatives?
