Parliamentarians resisting handing over authority to select ombudsman nominees
In a recent development, President Egils Levits has proposed amendments to the selection process for the heads of three independent institutions in Latvia: the Ombudsman, the Governor of the Bank of Latvia, and the State Auditor.
The President argues that these changes would allow for more consultation and finding the most suitable candidate based on professional criteria rather than political considerations. He believes that changing the selection process would not disrupt the balance and counterweight system of state power.
The proposed changes are currently being reviewed by the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee. On Wednesday, the Committee reviewed the first of three proposed amendments to the Ombudsman Law.
The proposed changes could potentially modify the selection processes for the positions of Governor of the Bank of Latvia and State Auditor as well. The amendments were drafted in response to a difficult process selecting the Governor of the Bank of Latvia, including the withdrawal and reinstatement of Mārtiņš Kazāks.
The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee is taking action to alter the selection process for the Ombudsman position, with Andrejs Judins, chair of the Committee, stating that there are no objections to the proposal allowing the President to nominate a candidate for the Ombudsman. However, the New Unity and Green and Farmers' Union factions have objected, arguing that the President should not be the only one with the right to nominate a candidate for the Ombudsman position.
The term of office of the current Ombudsman, Juris Jansons, expires in the autumn, necessitating the search for a new candidate for the position. In response, the Committee is drafting an alternative bill to change the procedure for selecting the Ombudsman, rather than the initial proposed amendments.
Rinkevics submitted amendments to the law in the spring, proposing the President nominates candidates for the positions of Governor of the Bank of Latvia, Ombudsman, and State Auditor. A similar scenario may occur in relation to the selection of the Governor of the Bank of Latvia and the State Auditor.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the current status of these proposed amendments, it is recommended to consult official Latvian government sources or news outlets covering legislative developments in Latvia.
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