Editing Latvia (section)

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Politics of Latvia||Government of Latvia}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[File:Edgars Rinkēvičs, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs of Estonia on 1 April 2022 (cropped).jpg|125px]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[File:Evika Siliņa (Cropped).jpg|125px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Edgars Rinkēvičs]]<br /><small>[[President of Latvia|President]]</small>
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Evika Siliņa]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Latvia|Prime Minister]]</small>
|}

Politics in Latvia operate under a framework laid out in the [[Constitution of Latvia]].{{efn|Latvia has a [[codified constitution]]. Changes to it require a two-thirds majority.<ref>{{cite web |author=Tschentscher, Axel |url=https://servat.unibe.ch/icl/lg00000_.html |title=The Constitution of Latvia – Articles 76–79 |publisher=Servat.unibe.ch |access-date=13 December 2024 }}</ref>}}

=== Government ===
{{Main|Parliament of Latvia|Cabinet of Latvia}}

[[File:Flickr - Saeima - 4.maijs Saeimā (6).jpg|thumb|The [[House of the Livonian Noble Corporation|building]] of the ''Saeima'', the parliament of Latvia, in Riga]]

The Latvian parliament is [[unicameral]] and called the ''[[Saeima]]''. It is the [[legislature]] of the Republic of Latvia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Parliament of Latvia |url=https://www.saeima.lv/en/about-saeima/the-parliament-of-latvia |access-date=10 March 2025 |website=Latvijas Republikas Saeima}}</ref> The Saeima is also responsible for adopting the [[government budget|state's budgets]], approving the state's accounts, appointing and exercising control of the Government, and taking part in international co-operation. [[Bill (proposed law)|Bills]] may be initiated by the Government or by [[Member of parliament|members of parliament]].

Latvia is a [[representative democracy]] with [[universal suffrage]]. Membership of the Saeima is based on [[proportional representation]] of political parties, with a 5% electoral threshold. Latvia elects 100 members to the Saeima. Parliamentary elections are held at least every four years, but it is within the powers of the prime minister to ask the president to call for an election before the term has elapsed. On a [[Motion of no confidence|vote of no confidence]], the Saeima may force a single minister or an entire government to resign.{{efn|"59. In order to fulfil their duties, the Prime Minister and other Ministers must have the confidence of the Saeima and they shall be accountable to the Saeima for their actions. If the Saeima expresses no confidence in the Prime Minister, the entire Cabinet shall resign. If there is an expression of no confidence in an individual Minister, then the Minister shall resign and another person shall be invited to replace them by the Prime Minister."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Constitution of Latvia – Article 59. |url=https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/57980-the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-latvia}}</ref> }}

The Government of Latvia operates as a [[Cabinet (government)|cabinet government]], where executive authority is exercised by the prime minister and other [[cabinet minister]]s, who head ministries. As the executive branch, the Cabinet is responsible for proposing bills and a budget, executing the laws, and guiding the foreign and internal policies of Latvia. The position of prime minister belongs to the person most likely to command the [[confidence and supply|confidence]] of a majority in the Saeima; this is often the current leader of the largest [[political party]] or, more effectively, through a [[political alliance|coalition of parties]]. A single party generally does not have sufficient political power in terms of the number of seats to form a cabinet on its own; Saeima has often been ruled by [[coalition governments]], themselves usually [[minority government]]s dependent on non-government parties.

The [[President of Latvia|president]] is elected by the ''Saeima'' in a separate election, also held every four years. The president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms the [[executive (government)|executive branch]] of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the ''Saeima''. This system also existed before [[World War II]].<ref>{{in lang|lv}} [http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?mode=DOC&id=57980 Constitution of the Republic of Latvia with amendments and revisions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025071603/http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=57980&mode=DOC |date=25 October 2007 }} [http://www.saeima.lv/en/legislation/constitution (Official English translation)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205030657/http://www.saeima.lv/en/legislation/constitution |date=5 December 2013 }} (Retrieved on 18 November 2011)</ref> The most senior civil servants are the thirteen [[Secretary of State|Secretaries of State]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.latvia.eu/key-facts/politics|title=Politics|date=9 January 2015|newspaper=[Latvia.eu]|language=en|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105113236/http://www.latvia.eu/key-facts/politics|archive-date=5 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the October [[2022 Latvian parliamentary election]], Prime Minister [[Krišjānis Kariņš]] formed the [[Second Kariņš cabinet]] in December 2022, a coalition of [[New Unity]], [[National Alliance (Latvia)|National Alliance]], and [[United List (Latvia)|United List]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-14 |title=Three Latvian parties sign coalition deal to form government |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-latvia-government-and-politics-a1bcb8d018e6c8b5c31975911fb881ad |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> On 14 August 2023, Kariņš resigned, citing National Alliance's opposition to expanding the coalition to include [[The Progressives (Latvia)|The Progressives]] and the [[Union of Greens and Farmers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/karins-pazino-par-demisiju.d?id=55841388|title=Kariņš paziņo par demisiju |website=www.delfi.lv|access-date=2023-08-14|language=lv}}</ref>  The [[Siliņa cabinet]], comprising New Unity, Union of Greens and Farmers, and The Progressives, was sworn in on 15 September 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Jaunā Vienotība", ZZS un "Progresīvie" paraksta koalīcijas līgumu un valdības deklarāciju |url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/15.09.2023-jauna-vienotiba-zzs-un-progresivie-paraksta-koalicijas-ligumu-un-valdibas-deklaraciju.a524000/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=www.lsm.lv |language=lv}}</ref>

=== Administrative divisions ===
[[File:Historical regions of Latvia.svg|thumb|Historical regions:<br /> {{Color box|#ffe8c2ff}} [[Courland]]<br /> {{Color box|#c8f8d5ff}} [[Semigallia]]<br /> {{Color box|#fdd6c3ff}} [[Vidzeme]]<br /> {{Color box|#dbdbf9ff}} [[Latgale]]<br /> {{Color box|#e0f8d2ff}} [[Selonia]]]]
[[File:Latvijas novadi 2021.png|thumb|Administrative divisions of Latvia]]
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Latvia}}
{{See also|List of cities in Latvia|Planning regions of Latvia|Statistical regions of Latvia|Historical regions of Latvia}}
Latvia is a [[unitary state]], currently divided into 43 local government units consisting of 36 municipalities ({{langx|lv|novadi}}) and 7 state cities ({{langx|lv|valstspilsētas}}) with their own city council and administration: [[Daugavpils]], [[Jelgava]], [[Jūrmala]], [[Liepāja]], [[Rēzekne]], [[Riga]], and [[Ventspils]]. There are four [[Cultural regions of Latvia|historical and cultural regions in Latvia]]&nbsp;– [[Courland]], [[Latgale]], [[Vidzeme]], [[Zemgale]], which are recognised in the [[Constitution of Latvia]]. [[Selonia]], a part of Zemgale, is sometimes considered culturally distinct region, but it is not part of any formal division. The borders of historical and cultural regions usually are not explicitly defined and in several sources may vary. In formal divisions, Riga region, which includes the capital and parts of other regions that have a strong relationship with the capital, is also often included in regional divisions; e.g., there are five [[planning regions of Latvia]] ({{langx|lv|plānošanas reģioni}}), which were created in 2009 to promote balanced development of all regions. Under this division Riga region includes large parts of what traditionally is considered Vidzeme, Courland, and Zemgale. [[Statistical regions of Latvia]], established in accordance with the EU [[Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics]], duplicate this division.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://likumi.lv/ta/id/328252-par-latvijas-republikas-statistiskajiem-regioniem-un-tajos-ietilpstosajam-administrativajam-vienibam |title=Par Latvijas Republikas statistiskajiem reģioniem un tajos ietilpstošajām administratīvajām vienībām |publisher=[[Latvijas Vēstnesis]] |language=lv |access-date=9 December 2024}}</ref>

The largest city in Latvia is Riga, the second largest city is Daugavpils and the third largest city is Liepaja.

=== Political culture ===

In 2010 parliamentary [[2010 Latvian parliamentary election|election]] ruling centre-right coalition won 63 out of 100 parliamentary seats. Left-wing opposition [[Harmony Centre]] supported by Latvia's Russian-speaking minority got 29 seats.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11460358|title=Latvia's ruling centre-right coalition wins elections|work=BBC News|date=3 October 2010|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729113428/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11460358|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2013, Latvian Prime Minister [[Valdis Dombrovskis]], in office since 2009, resigned after at least 54 people were killed and dozens injured in the [[Zolitūde shopping centre roof collapse|collapse at a supermarket]] in Riga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-latvia-supermarket-collapse-prime-minister-resigns-20131127-story.html|title=Latvia's prime minister resigns over deadly supermarket collapse|date=27 November 2013|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625192313/https://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-latvia-supermarket-collapse-prime-minister-resigns-20131127-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014 parliamentary [[2014 Latvian parliamentary election|election]] was won again by the ruling centre-right coalition formed by the [[Unity (Latvia)|Unity]] Party, the [[National Alliance (Latvia)|National Alliance]] and the [[Union of Greens and Farmers]]. They got 61 seats and Harmony got 24.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29504093|title=Latvia election: Coalition keeps strong Russian party out|work=BBC News|date=6 October 2014|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604131957/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29504093|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015, country's first female prime minister, in office since January 2014, [[Laimdota Straujuma]] resigned.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/latvias-premier-laimdota-straujuma-steps-down-1449480185|title=Latvia's Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma Steps Down|first=Juris|last=Kaža|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=5 December 2015|via=www.wsj.com|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625184711/https://www.wsj.com/articles/latvias-premier-laimdota-straujuma-steps-down-1449480185|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2016, a coalition of Union of Greens and Farmers, The Unity and National Alliance was formed by new Prime Minister [[Maris Kucinskis]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Latvia parliament approves PM Maris Kucinskis new government |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-latvia-pm-idUSKCN0VK12A |work=Reuters |date=11 February 2016 |language=en |access-date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625185828/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-latvia-pm-idUSKCN0VK12A |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018 parliamentary [[2018 Latvian parliamentary election|election]] pro-Russian Harmony was again the biggest party securing 23 out of 100 seats, the second and third were the new populist parties [[KPV LV]] and [[New Conservative Party (Latvia)|New Conservative Party]]. Ruling coalition, comprising the Union of Greens and Farmers, the National Alliance and the Unity party, lost.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45774578|title=Pro-Russia party wins Latvia election but tough talks loom|work=BBC News|date=8 October 2018|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608194609/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45774578|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2019, Latvia got a government led by new Prime Minister [[Krisjanis Karins]] of the centre-right [[New Unity (Latvian political party)|New Unity]]. Karins' coalition was formed by five of the seven parties in parliament, excluding only the pro-Russia Harmony party and the Union of Greens and Farmers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Latvia's Karins confirmed as PM, ending lengthy political deadlock |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-latvia-politics-idUSKCN1PH1OD |work=Reuters |date=23 January 2019 |language=en |access-date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625190609/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-latvia-politics-idUSKCN1PH1OD |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 September 2023, [[Evika Siliņa]] became the new prime minister of Latvia, following  resignation of former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš previous month. Siliņa's government is  a three-party coalition between her own [[New Unity]] (JV) party, the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS), and the social-democratic Progressives (PRO) with total 52 of 100 seats in the parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Evika Siliņa is Latvia's new prime minister |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/evika-silina-is-latvias-new-prime-minister/ |work=POLITICO |date=15 September 2023 |language=en |access-date=16 September 2023 |archive-date=18 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918091229/https://www.politico.eu/article/evika-silina-is-latvias-new-prime-minister/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Latvia}}
[[File:Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Riga, Letonia, 2012-08-07, DD 01.JPG|thumb|right|The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riga]]

Latvia is a member of the United Nations, [[European Union]], [[Council of Europe]], [[NATO]], [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]], [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]], and [[World Trade Organization|WTO]]. It is also a member of the [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]] and [[Nordic Investment Bank]]. It was a member of the [[League of Nations]] (1921–1946). Latvia is part of the [[Schengen Area]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Latvia – EU member country profile {{!}} European Union |url=https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/latvia_en |website=european-union.europa.eu |language=en |access-date=19 September 2023 |archive-date=12 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912051553/https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/latvia_en |url-status=live }}</ref> and joined the [[Eurozone]] on 1 January 2014.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Latvia (since 1 January 2014) |url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/changeover/latvia/html/index.en.html |website=ecb.europa.eu |date=31 January 2023 |last1=Bank |first1=European Central |access-date=19 September 2023 |archive-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910104849/https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/changeover/latvia/html/index.en.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Latvia has established diplomatic relations with 158 countries. It has 44 diplomatic and consular missions and maintains 34 embassies and 9 permanent representations abroad. There are 37 foreign embassies and 11 international organisations in Latvia's capital [[Riga]]. Latvia hosts one European Union institution, the [[Body of European Regulators of Electronic Communications|Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications]] (BEREC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.am.gov.lv/en/mission/|title=Diplomatic and Consular Representations|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201023600/http://www.am.gov.lv/en/mission/|archive-date=1 December 2013}}</ref>

Latvia's foreign policy priorities include co-operation in the Baltic Sea region, European integration, active involvement in international organisations, contribution to European and transatlantic security and defence structures, participation in international civilian and military peacekeeping operations, and development co-operation, particularly the strengthening of stability and democracy in the EU's [[Eastern Partnership]] countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/policy/|title=Foreign policy|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia|access-date=13 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428131812/http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/policy/|archive-date=28 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latvia.eu/content/latvia-today-keystone-baltic |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912131347/http://www.latvia.eu/content/latvia-today-keystone-baltic |archive-date=12 September 2012 |title=A foreign policy based on co-operation and constructive engagement |publisher=Latvian Institute |access-date=13 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5378.htm#foreign|title=Background Note: Latvia|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=18 November 2011|access-date=13 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122194450/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5378.htm#foreign|archive-date=22 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Foreign Ministers of Nordic and Baltic countries met in Helsinki, 30.08.2011 (Photographer Eero Kuosmanen).jpg|thumb|Foreign ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries in Helsinki, 2011]]
Since the early 1990s, Latvia has been involved in active trilateral [[Baltic states]] co-operation with its neighbours [[Estonia]] and [[Lithuania]], and Nordic-Baltic co-operation with the [[Nordic countries]]. Latvia is a member of the interparliamentary [[Baltic Assembly]], the intergovernmental [[Baltic Council of Ministers]] and the [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/4096 |title=Estonian Chairmanship of the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2011 |publisher=Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |access-date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113111112/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Fnode%2F4096 |archive-date=13 November 2013 }}</ref> [[Nordic-Baltic Eight]] (NB-8) is the joint co-operation of the governments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.<ref name="Co-operation of Baltic and Nordic States">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/eu/BalticSeaRegion/NordicStates |title=Co-operation of Baltic and Nordic States |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405175147/http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/eu/BalticSeaRegion/NordicStates/ |archive-date=5 April 2012 }}</ref> Nordic-Baltic Six (NB-6), comprising Nordic-Baltic countries that are European Union member states, is a framework for meetings on EU-related issues. Interparliamentary co-operation between the Baltic Assembly and [[Nordic Council]] was signed in 1992 and since 2006 annual meetings are held as well as regular meetings on other levels.<ref name="Co-operation of Baltic and Nordic States" /> Joint Nordic-Baltic co-operation initiatives include the education programme NordPlus<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nordplusonline.org/eng/nordplus/about_nordplus |title=About Nordplus |publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers |access-date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113110917/http://www.nordplusonline.org/eng/nordplus/about_nordplus |archive-date=13 November 2013 }}</ref> and mobility programmes for public administration,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norden.ee/en/about-us/funding/mobility-programme-for-public-administration|title=Nordic-Baltic mobility programme for public administration|publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113112319/http://www.norden.ee/en/about-us/funding/mobility-programme-for-public-administration|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> business and industry<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nb8businessmobility.org/ |title=Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Network Programme for Business and Industry |publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia |access-date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118051601/http://www.nb8businessmobility.org/ |archive-date=18 November 2013 }}</ref> and culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kulturkontaktnord.org/lang-en |title=Nordic Culture Point |publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers |access-date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118083116/http://www.kulturkontaktnord.org/lang-en |archive-date=18 November 2013 }}</ref> The [[Nordic Council of Ministers]] has an office in Riga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norden.lv/en/main|title=Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia|publisher=Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230231742/http://www.norden.lv/en/main|archive-date=30 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Latvia participates in the [[Northern Dimension]] and [[Baltic Sea Region Programme]], European Union initiatives to foster cross-border co-operation in the Baltic Sea region and Northern Europe. The secretariat of the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (NDPC) will be located in Riga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndpculture.org/blog/nordic-council-of-ministers-is-looking-for-a-senior-adviser-to-run-the-secretariat-of-northern-dimension-partnership-on-culture|title=Nordic Council of Ministers is looking for a Senior Adviser to run the Secretariat of Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture|publisher=Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (NDPC)|date=6 November 2013|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006152646/http://www.ndpculture.org/blog/nordic-council-of-ministers-is-looking-for-a-senior-adviser-to-run-the-secretariat-of-northern-dimension-partnership-on-culture|archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref> In 2013 Riga hosted the annual [[Northern Future Forum]], a two-day informal meeting of the prime ministers of the Nordic-Baltic countries and the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futureforum2013.gov.lv/en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301194011/http://www.futureforum2013.gov.lv/en/|archive-date=1 March 2013|title=Northern Future Forum|publisher=State Chancellery, Republic of Latvia|access-date=20 November 2013}}</ref> The Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe or ''e-Pine'' is the [[United States Department of State|U.S. Department of State]] diplomatic framework for co-operation with the Nordic-Baltic countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/eur/rt/epine|title=Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE)|publisher=U.S. Department of State|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-date=22 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022201214/https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/eur/rt/epine/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Latvia hosted the [[2006 Riga summit|2006 NATO Summit]] and since then the annual Riga Conference has become a leading foreign and security policy forum in Northern Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rigaconference.lv/|title=About Rīga Conference|publisher=Rīga Conference|access-date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108034651/http://www.rigaconference.lv/|archive-date=8 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Latvia held the [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union]] in the first half of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Latvia |url=https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/countries/member-countries/latvia_en |website=europa.eu |date=5 July 2016 |publisher=European Union |access-date=9 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140700/https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/countries/member-countries/latvia_en |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since February 2022 Latvia's relations with Russia have deteriorated to the extent that Latvia withdrew its ambassador from Russia and expelled Russia's ambassador to Latvia in January 2023<ref>{{cite web |title=Estonia and Latvia remove Russian ambassadors as tensions rise |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-latvia-russia-remove-european-union-tensions-moscow/ |date=23 January 2023 |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531001410/https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-latvia-russia-remove-european-union-tensions-moscow/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and banned Russians from entering Latvia.

=== Military ===
{{Main|Military of Latvia}}
[[File:Naval visit, Belfast (3) - geograph.org.uk - 667223.jpg|thumb|Naval Forces minehunter ''Imanta'']]
[[File:CVR(T) Scimitar In Latvia.jpg|thumb|[[Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)|CVR(T) Scimitar]] in Latvian service]]
The [[Latvian National Armed Forces|National Armed Forces]] (Latvian: ''Nacionālie bruņotie spēki (NAF)'') of Latvia consists of the [[Latvian Land Forces|Land Forces]], [[Latvian Naval Forces|Naval Forces]], [[Latvian Air Force|Air Force]], [[Latvian National Guard|National Guard]], [[Latvian Special Tasks Unit|Special Tasks Unit]], [[Latvian Military Police|Military Police]], [[Latvian National Armed Forces Staff Battalion|NAF staff Battalion]], Training and Doctrine Command, and Logistics Command. Latvia's defence concept is based upon the Swedish-Finnish model of a rapid response force composed of a mobilisation base and a small group of career professionals. From 1 January 2007, Latvia switched to a professional fully contract-based army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.lv/Ministrija/Vadiiba.aspx|title=Aizsardzības ministrija|work=mod.gov.lv|access-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427123545/http://www.mod.gov.lv/Ministrija/Vadiiba.aspx|archive-date=27 April 2018}}</ref>

Latvia participates in international peacekeeping and security operations. Latvian armed forces have contributed to [[NATO]] and EU military operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996–2009), Albania (1999), Kosovo (2000–2009), Macedonia (2003), Iraq (2005–2006), Afghanistan (since 2003), Somalia (since 2011) and Mali (since 2013).<ref name="Participation in International operations">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/security/Directions/InternationalOperations/|title=Participation in International operations|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208204137/http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/security/Directions/InternationalOperations/|archive-date=8 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Previous operations">{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Ieprieksejas_operacijas.aspx|title=Previous operations|language=lv|publisher=Latvian National Armed Forces|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024013435/http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Ieprieksejas_operacijas.aspx|archive-date=24 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.lv/en/NATO.aspx|title=Latvia and NATO|publisher=Ministry of National Defence Republic of Latvia|year=2011|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309034354/http://www.mod.gov.lv/en/NATO.aspx|archive-date=9 March 2012}}</ref> Latvia also took part in the US-led [[Multi-National Force – Iraq|Multi-National Force]] operation in Iraq (2003–2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Ieprieksejas_operacijas/Citas_operacijas/OIF.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805052619/http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Ieprieksejas_operacijas/Citas_operacijas/OIF.aspx |archive-date=5 August 2012 |title=US-led coalition forces operation in OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) |language=lv |publisher=Latvian National Armed Forces |access-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> and [[OSCE]] missions in Georgia, Kosovo and Macedonia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Ieprieksejas_operacijas/Citas_operacijas.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805085254/http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Ieprieksejas_operacijas/Citas_operacijas.aspx |archive-date=5 August 2012 |title=Other operations |language=lv |publisher=Latvian National Armed Forces |access-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> Latvian armed forces contributed to a UK-led [[EU Battlegroup|Battlegroup]] in 2013 and the [[Nordic Battle Group|Nordic Battlegroup]] in 2015 under the [[Common Security and Defence Policy]] (CSDP) of the European Union.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/EU/XXIV/EU/09/23/EU_92315/imfname_10376183.pdf|title=EU Battlegroup Offers and Commitments|publisher=Council of the European Union|date=26 September 2012|access-date=25 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922080759/http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/EU/XXIV/EU/09/23/EU_92315/imfname_10376183.pdf|archive-date=22 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Latvia acts as the lead nation in the coordination of the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)#Northern Distribution Network|Northern Distribution Network]] for transportation of non-lethal [[ISAF]] cargo by air and rail to Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=56833|title=Dombrovskis and US Ambassador Garber visit Riga Airport to inspect cargo plane to Afghanistan|publisher=[[The Baltic Course]]|year=2012|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712005148/http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=56833|archive-date=12 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-911EB74B-3555D8D2/natolive/news_74763.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=One year on: ISAF's trans-European supply routes are a success|publisher=NATO|year=2011|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515185424/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-911EB74B-3555D8D2/natolive/news_74763.htm?selectedLocale=en|archive-date=15 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-2C1657C8-A07AD24F/natolive/news_64397.htm?|title=NATO opens new communication lines to Afghanistan|publisher=NATO|year=2010|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516032845/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-2C1657C8-A07AD24F/natolive/news_64397.htm|archive-date=16 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It is part of the Nordic Transition Support Unit (NTSU), which renders joint force contributions in support of Afghan security structures ahead of the withdrawal of Nordic and Baltic ISAF forces in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120913/DEFREG01/309130008/Nordic-Military-Alliance-Latvia-Afghanistan|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121105912/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120913/DEFREG01/309130008/Nordic-Military-Alliance-Latvia-Afghanistan|archive-date=21 January 2013|title=Nordic Military Alliance With Latvia in Afghanistan|author=Gerard O'Dwyer|publisher=DefenseNews|date=13 September 2012|access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> Since 1996 more than 3600 military personnel have participated in international operations,<ref name="Previous operations" /> of whom 7 soldiers perished.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Kritusie_karaviri.aspx|title=Fallen soldiers|language=lv|publisher=Latvian National Armed Forces|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024013440/http://www.mil.lv/Operacijas/Kritusie_karaviri.aspx|archive-date=24 October 2012}}</ref> Per capita, Latvia is one of the largest contributors to international military operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5378.htm|title=Background Note: Latvia|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=18 November 2011|access-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122194450/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5378.htm|archive-date=22 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Latvian civilian experts have contributed to EU civilian missions: border assistance mission to Moldova and Ukraine (2005–2009), rule of law missions in Iraq (2006 and 2007) and Kosovo (since 2008), police mission in Afghanistan (since 2007) and monitoring mission in Georgia (since 2008).<ref name="Participation in International operations" />

Since March 2004, when the [[Baltic states]] joined NATO, fighter jets of NATO members have been deployed on a rotational basis for the [[Baltic Air Policing]] mission at [[Šiauliai International Airport|Šiauliai Airport]] in Lithuania to guard the Baltic airspace. Latvia participates in several [[NATO Centres of Excellence]]: Civil-Military Co-operation in the Netherlands, [[Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence|Cooperative Cyber Defence]] in Estonia and Energy Security in Lithuania. It plans to establish the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence in Riga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2013/october/061103-vk-01/ |title=V.Dombrovskis: Latvia sees the opportunity to strengthen NATO's strategic communication capability |publisher=The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia |date=6 November 2013 |access-date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219020016/http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2013/october/061103-vk-01/ |archive-date=19 December 2013 }}</ref>

Latvia co-operates with Estonia and Lithuania in several trilateral Baltic defence co-operation initiatives:
* Baltic Battalion ''(BALTBAT)''&nbsp;– infantry battalion for participation in international peace support operations, headquartered near [[Riga]], Latvia;
* [[Baltic Naval Squadron]] ''(BALTRON)''&nbsp;– naval force with mine countermeasures capabilities, headquartered near [[Tallinn]], Estonia;
* [[Baltic Air Surveillance Network]] ''(BALTNET)''&nbsp;– air surveillance information system, headquartered near [[Kaunas]], Lithuania;
* Joint military educational institutions: [[Baltic Defence College]] in [[Tartu]], Estonia, Baltic Diving Training Centre in [[Liepāja]], Latvia and Baltic Naval Communications Training Centre in [[Tallinn]], Estonia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/4105 |title=Baltic Defence Co-operation |publisher=Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |year=2002 |access-date=28 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805201335/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Fnode%2F4105 |archive-date= 5 August 2011 }}</ref>

Future co-operation will include sharing of national infrastructures for training purposes and specialisation of training areas ''(BALTTRAIN)'' and collective formation of battalion-sized contingents for use in the NATO rapid-response force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kam.lt/en/news_1098/news_archives/news_archive_2011/news_archive_2011_-_12/baltic_defence_ministers_announced_new_defence_cooperation_initiatives.html|title=Baltic Defence Ministers announced new defence cooperation initiatives|publisher=Ministry of National Defence Republic of Lithuania|year=2011|access-date=28 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723054233/http://www.kam.lt/en/news_1098/news_archives/news_archive_2011/news_archive_2011_-_12/baltic_defence_ministers_announced_new_defence_cooperation_initiatives.html|archive-date=23 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2011, the Baltic states were invited to join [[Nordic Defence Cooperation]], the defence framework of the [[Nordic countries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/10686 |title=Nordic Countries Invite Baltics to Join Defence Co-operation Framework |publisher=Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=21 January 2011 |access-date=28 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608191401/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Fnode%2F10686 |archive-date= 8 June 2012 }}</ref> In November 2012, the three countries agreed to create a joint military staff in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.err.ee/8140850c-b0bb-408b-96c6-7641b1bbfd10 |title=Joint Baltic Military Staff to Be Established |publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting |date=9 November 2012 |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111213413/http://news.err.ee/8140850c-b0bb-408b-96c6-7641b1bbfd10 |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref>

On 21 April 2022, Latvian Saeima passed amendments developed by the Ministry of Defence for the legislative draft Amendments to the Law on Financing of National Defence, which provide for gradual increase in the defence budget to 2.5% of the country's GDP over the course of the next three year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2022 |title=Latvian parliament approves of increasing defence budget |url=https://bnn-news.com/latvian-parliament-approves-of-increasing-defence-budget-234131 |access-date=22 April 2022 |website=Baltic News Network - News from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia |language=en-US |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422072629/https://bnn-news.com/latvian-parliament-approves-of-increasing-defence-budget-234131 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Human rights ===
{{Main|Human rights in Latvia}}
{{See also|LGBT rights in Latvia}}
[[File:Europride 2015.JPG|thumb|[[Europride]] 2015 in [[Riga]]]]
According to the reports by [[Freedom House]] and the [[United States Department of State|US Department of State]], human rights in Latvia are generally respected by the government:<ref name="departmentofstate1">{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eur/119087.htm |title=2008 Human Rights Report: Latvia |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=9 June 2009 |archive-date=21 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421160924/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eur/119087.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/fiw/inc_country_detail.cfm?country=7429&year=2008&page=0&view=mof&pf |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110515152102/http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/fiw/inc_country_detail.cfm?country=7429&year=2008&page=0&view=mof&pf |archive-date=15 May 2011 |title=Freedom in the World&nbsp;– Latvia (2008) |publisher=[[Freedom House]] |year=2008 |access-date=6 June 2009 }}</ref> Latvia is ranked above-average among the world's sovereign states in democracy,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214053945/http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf |archive-date=14 December 2008 |title=The Economist Intelligence Unit's Index of Democracy 2008 |newspaper=The Economist |year=2008 |access-date=5 June 2009 }}</ref> [[press freedom]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2010,1034.html |title=Press Freedom Index 2010 |publisher=[[Reporters Without Borders]] |year=2010 |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124050702/http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2010%2C1034.html |archive-date=24 November 2010 }}</ref> [[privacy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.privacyinternational.org/ |title=The 2007 International Privacy Ranking |publisher=[[Privacy International]] |year=2007 |access-date=5 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302193141/https://www.privacyinternational.org/ |archive-date=2 March 2011 }}</ref> and [[Human development (humanity)|human development]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/ |title=Statistics of the Human Development Report |publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]] |year=2008 |access-date=5 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112042847/http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/ |archive-date=12 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

More than 56% of leading positions are held by women in Latvia, which ranks first in Europe; Latvia ranks first in the world in women's rights sharing the position with five other European countries according to [[World Bank]].<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/31327 |title=Women, Business and the Law 2019: A Decade of Reform |website=World Bank |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014160703/https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/31327 |archive-date=14 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The country has a large [[Russians in Latvia|ethnic Russian]] community, which was guaranteed basic rights under the [[Constitution of Latvia|constitution]] and [[international human rights law]]s ratified by the Latvian government.<ref name="departmentofstate1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=47&nit=457&year=2008 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110624033519/http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=47&nit=457&year=2008 |archive-date=24 June 2011 |title=Country Report 2008 Edition |publisher=[[Freedom House]] |year=2008 |access-date=6 June 2009 }}</ref>

Approximately 206,000 [[Non-citizens (Latvia)|non-citizens]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://data1.csb.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/iedz/iedz__iedzrakst/?tablelist=true|title=Datubāze - izvēlēties tabulu|website=data1.csb.gov.lv|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231120455/https://data1.csb.gov.lv/pxweb/lv/iedz/iedz__iedzrakst/?tablelist=true|archive-date=31 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>&nbsp;– including [[stateless persons]]&nbsp;– have limited access to some political rights – only citizens are allowed to participate in parliamentary or municipal elections, although there are no limitations in regards to joining political parties or other political organizations.<ref>[http://www.bayefsky.com/docs.php/area/conclobs/treaty/ccpr/opt/0/state/95/node/3/filename/latvia_t4_ccpr Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee: Latvia. CCPR/CO/79/LVA, 1 December 2003] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129182833/http://www.bayefsky.com/docs.php/area/conclobs/treaty/ccpr/opt/0/state/95/node/3/filename/latvia_t4_ccpr |date=29 January 2012 }} See Paras. 16, 18</ref><ref>[[European Commission against Racism and Intolerance|ECRI]] [http://hudoc.ecri.coe.int/XMLEcri/ENGLISH/Cycle_03/03_CbC_eng/LVA-CbC-III-2008-2-ENG.pdf Third Report on Latvia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509044128/http://hudoc.ecri.coe.int/XMLEcri/ENGLISH/Cycle_03/03_CbC_eng/LVA-CbC-III-2008-2-ENG.pdf |date=9 May 2009 }}, CRI(2008)2. See paras. 118, 132</ref> In 2011, the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]] [[High Commissioner on National Minorities]] "urged Latvia to allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections."<ref>{{cite web |title=A new kind of citizenship accepted by EU? Latvian non-citizens and the citizenship debates |url=http://essay.utwente.nl/62902/ |publisher=University of Twente Student Theses |year=2011 |access-date=18 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083742/http://essay.utwente.nl/62902/ |archive-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, there have been reports of police abuse of [[detainee]]s and arrestees, poor prison conditions and overcrowding, judicial corruption, incidents of violence against [[ethnic minorities]], and societal violence and incidents of government discrimination against homosexuals.<ref name="departmentofstate1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/regions/europe-central-asia/latvia |title=Amnesty International Report 2009 |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |year=2009 |access-date=8 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090610075623/http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/regions/europe-central-asia/latvia |archive-date=10 June 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2006/07/25/latvia-investigate-attacks-gay-activists |title=Latvia: Investigate Attacks on Gay Activists |publisher=[[Human rights watch]] |year=2006 |access-date=8 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090610224651/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2006/07/25/latvia-investigate-attacks-gay-activists |archive-date=10 June 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Same-sex marriage]] is constitutionally prohibited in Latvia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44366898|title=Same-sex spouses have EU residence rights, top court rules|publisher=BBC News|date=5 June 2018|access-date=30 January 2024|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508223531/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44366898|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sheeter |first=Laura |date=16 June 2006 |title=Latvia defies EU over gay rights |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5084832.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618071325/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5084832.stm |archive-date=June 18, 2006 |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=BBC News}}</ref>