On 4 February, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the President of the Supreme Court, Aigars Strupišs, at the Riga Castle. The parties discussed the work of the Latvian courts in 2024, as well as the current activities of the Judicial Council and the Supreme Court.

The President of Latvia pointed out that strengthening Latvia's security remains a constant priority in 2025, and the judiciary has an important role in this respect. The President of the Supreme Court emphasised that the judiciary is successfully addressing the challenges it faces and informed the President of Latvia about the Supreme Court's compilation of case-law on custodial issues related to the so-called "spy cases".

When referring to the efforts to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the judiciary, the President of the Supreme Court pointed out that the normal basis for further modern development of the judicial system based on planning, statistics and forecasts had been laid. Selection procedures that match the status and requirements of the judicial office ensure that qualified judges are appointed. Unfortunately, problems with legal education is one of the factors hindering the renewal of human resources in courts.

The President of the Supreme Court highlighted three key priorities for 2025.

To begin with, it is important to note the first stage of the organisational and financial decoupling of courts from the executive by transferring the functional management of the Court Administration to the Judicial Council. "At the same time, a very important aspect here is not to jeopardise the autonomy and independence of the Supreme Court," noted the President of the Supreme Court.

Secondly, there are problems with the reform of the quality and remuneration of court staff which have been increasing for the period of 30 years.

Thirdly, the newly established Academy of Justice has to be put "on rails" by ensuring the development of the documents necessary for its functioning, which will contribute to the professional education of judges, prosecutors and court staff.

The President of the Supreme Court also informed the President of Latvia on the progress of the selection of the Prosecutor General.

 

Information prepared by

Rasma Zvejniece, Head of the Division of Communication of the Supreme Court

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: +371 67020396, +371 28652211

Photo by the Chancery of the President of Latvia