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“Those who say that Latvia has no future should come and see the way the Youth Parliament works. You are the future of Latvia. I am convinced that Latvia’s future will be in good hands – in the hands of young, patriotic, smart, educated, willing and capable people,” said Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, in addressing the young people at the closing of the event.
The Speaker noted that the Youth Parliament helped its participants to understand that there is no single correct and indisputable opinion. As she told the young people, it is important for politicians “to be able to defend their opinions, not to be afraid to suggest ideas and justify them”.
The Speaker expressed the hope that the young people would maintain their zeal and the sparkle in their eyes, their desire to achieve and defend something. “May all of us together succeed in shaping Latvia a state where we can make the good ideas of today and tomorrow come true,” said Solvita Āboltiņa.
At the end of the event, organizers congratulated all members of the Youth Parliament and conferred on four young people the title of Future Politician for their active participation in the committee meetings. This title was awarded to Liene Dreimane from Riga State Gymnasium No. 3, Rolands Pragulbickis from Saldus Vocational Secondary School, Zane Ģierte from Talsi State Gymnasium and Žaklīna Vagoliņa from Ogre State Gymnasium.
After discussions held during committee meetings and at the plenary sitting, the Youth Parliament adopted four declarations on the following subjects: education, the economy, European affairs and human rights. All declarations will be forwarded to relevant line committees of the Saeima for consideration.
On Friday, 27 April, students from all regions of Latvia participated in the 2nd Youth Parliament held at the Saeima. Their activity mirrored the work of the Saeima, as well as the legislative process.
The Youth Parliament is organised by the Saeima in cooperation with Transparency International department in Latvia Delna, and the Children’s Forum of Latvia. Publicity is provided by the social network Draugiem.lv and Latvian Television. The event is also supported by the European Commission Representation in Latvia and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Photos from the 2nd Youth Parliament are available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/sets/72157629909530285/with/7118226655/
Video of the 2nd Youth Parliament is available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ug7LeiGxmk&list=UUdQ1YxaZG3i7ygGCdU8mPKQ&index=1&feature=plcp
Complete video recording of the plenary sitting of the 2nd Youth Parliament is available at:
http://video.tiesraides.lv/flv/live/20120427131602_saeima1_1.mp4 (Part 1)
http://video.tiesraides.lv/flv/live/20120427164301_saeima1_1_0.mp4 (Part 2)
When using the material, please give credit to the Saeima Chancellery.
Saeima Press Service