The Saeima received 4 369 statements in the first six months of 2012, which is by almost a thousand more than in the same period for 2011. Also, for the first time, more than 13 thousand residents decided to turn to the parliament with a collective statement.

Most often people and non-government organizations turned to the parliament with proposals for legislative amendments, as well as opinions on the quality of work of different state institutions and events in the country. Residents also turned to the Saeima with complaints about state and municipal institutions, as well as law enforcement institutions. 161 statements requested explanations of different legislative regulations, the Saeima Press Service reports.

Most legislative amendment proposals concerned social, labour, healthcare and national economy related issues. Statement authors most often addressed their statements to Seaima Chairwoman Solvita Aboltina. Of all the parliamentary commissions, the Judicial, National Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Regional Policy and Human Rights and Social Affairs commissions received the most statements.

The Statement with the most number of signatures was received from a private person, who submitted a collective statement asking to adopt regulation that would punish the breaking of an MP’s oath. This statement was signed by 13 854 citizens. This is the first case when residents used the Saeima rules of procedure, adopted in January, 2012, that allows turning to the Saeima with a collective statement.

In order to improve the parliament’s dialog with society and contribute to the participation of individuals in the Saeima’s work, the Visitors and Information Centre was formed in the beginning of 2009. The main objective of this new institution is to allow individuals to submit written statements to the Saeima, find out the progress of individual statements and the time they have to wait to receive a response. The centre’s workers can also give information about the parliament’s work, possibilities to meet with MPs and visit the Saeima building. Visitors can also arrange appointments with Saeima MPs, and it does not require a special pass.

Ref: 102.109.109.2937