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PRESIDENTIAL INTERACTION WITH PARLIAMENT WITHIN DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN LATVIA: GUNTIS ULMANIS AND DR. VAIRA VIKE-FREIBERGA
Abstract
Latvia re-established its independence in 1990. National policy-makers imposed serious responsibility when making decisions as they were affecting the Latvias people's well-being and development. This study analyzes the interaction of two State Presidents of Latvia after regaining of independence in 1991: Guntis Ulmanis, the first State president (1993-1999) and Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga (1999-2007), with the Parrliament of Latvia within decision-making process, using suspended veto. State President is a formal leader and in the context of political science, has a leading position in the country. Study focus is on the State president Guntis Ulmanis and Dr.Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the official, sui generis [1] who as specified in the Constitution of Latvia (Satversme) [2], dedicate the work to the welfare of the people of Latvia, is not politically responsible, but bears highest legislative function by proclaiming qualitative laws. State president in Latvia is neutral from political parties in the political process, but combining knowledge, skills and abilities influencing the political agenda and decision-making. Study analysis the interaction of formal leader with the Parliament within decision-making process by returning laws for repeat consideration. Cross sectional descriptive design is used, describing and analysing the findings to make evaluation. Research questions are answered using both general quantitative method and qualitative content analysis. Semi-structured elite interviews with the State presidents and legal advisers are analysed to reflect on the nature and purpose of revised laws. Study concludes about the necessity of close interaction between the State president and the Parliament for reaching the agreement on the quality of laws. It also stresses the usage of network governance in Latvia, enhancing the influence of different views to be able to unite the information for successful decision making. This study might be useful for policy and decision makers to include networks in decision making process for better and more transparent governance. It might be culturally adapted in other countries, making research result analysis from local to international.
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References10
Term in Latin. Means that something has very special characteristics, cannot be compared to anything else. Stewart, W.J. 2006. Collins Dictionary of Law.
Constitution of Latvia, Satversme. 1922. (with amendments)
Koker, Philip. PhD thesis in Political Science from University College London. Veto et Peto: Patterns of Presidential Activism in Central and Eastern Europe was awarded the ECPR Jean Blondel PhD Prize 2016 for the best thesis in politics.
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Data from the National Archive of Latvia. 07.11.2016. Nr. LVA-6.2.1/A-50/18029.
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