Within the framework of the International Parliamentary Scholarship programme, two German students are trainees at the Saeima until 22 September. The youths will have a chance to get acquainted with the work of the members of parliament, parliamentary groups and committees. They will also attend lectures at the University of Latvia.

“The German parliament has offered training opportunities to our students ever since the restoration of Latvia’s independence; therefore, I am very pleased that for the second year Latvia is fully participating in this project by welcoming German youths and sharing our experience in the work of the parliament. I hope that in the coming three weeks these students will gain theoretical knowledge of the legislative process in Latvia, as well as practical skills to be used in their professional careers in the future,” said Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima.

The recipients of the scholarships were selected in a competition; internships at the parliament were awarded to students who are interested in our country and who already know something about it. Martin Kujawa has a bachelor’s degree in Baltic philology and a basic knowledge of Latvian. Currently he is studying in the master’s programme of Slavic studies, and during the training period he wants to gain additional knowledge whilst continuing his academic work. Maira Kusch, who is studying in the international relations master’s programme, wants to use the training period in the Saeima to further her knowledge about the political system of Latvia because in the future she wishes to continue research work.

Members of the Saeima Andris Buiķis (Unity), Rasma Kārkliņa (Unity), Atis Lejiņš (Unity) and Vineta Poriņa (National Alliance of All for Latvia! and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK) will acquaint the students with the everyday work of the parliamentary groups and committees of the Saeima. The students will also meet with Speaker Solvita Āboltiņa. Throughout the training period, the students will attend lectures at the University of Latvia.

The Bundestag has been conducting the International Parliamentary Scholarship programme since 1986. A total of 1,200 youths, including 54 from Latvia, have graduated from the programme. Latvian students have been able to participate in internships at the German parliament since 1992.

Twenty-nine countries are involved in the programme; along with Germany, the United States, Poland, France, Russia, Hungary, Latvia and other countries offer students internships at parliaments.



Saeima Press Service