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“On the path towards their own country, the people of Latvia chose democracy and parliamentarism, and our history affirms that it was the right decision,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Thursday, 27 October, at the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the centenary of the Saeima.
“One hundred years ago, on 7 November, the 1st Saeima convened for its first sitting, and the Constitution (Satversme)—the fundamental law of Latvia—came into force. From now on, this plaque will remind everyone of these important events in the history of our state,” said the Speaker of the Saeima.
“The three greatest values of our people and our country—freedom, independence, and democracy—are named and engraved on the plaque,” emphasised Mūrniece, noting that the three values also empowered us on 4 May 1990 when, in the very same building, the Supreme Council adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence and the statehood of Latvia was restored. “Today, we also feel stronger, because we are a Member State of the European Union and NATO,” underlined the Speaker of the Saeima, expressing her appreciation for the presence of Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, on this special day.
The Presidium of the Saeima, the President of the 4 May Declaration Club Velta Čebotarenoka, the Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberts Zīle and a delegation of the European Parliament, as well as sculptor Jānis Strupulis also participated in the unveiling of the plaque.
The plaque by the entrance of the main building of the Saeima was designed by the Saeima in collaboration with Jānis Strupulis and sculpted by stonemasons from Ķekava.
The 1st Saeima convened for its first sitting on 7 November 1922 and embodied the trust of the people in their statehood, freedom, independence, and democracy. With the convocation of the Parliament, the fundamental law of the state of Latvia—the Satversme—came into force and laid down the state system and principles for exercising power.
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Saeima Press Service