On 4 May at 12:00 the Saeima will hold a ceremonial sitting to mark 35 years since the historic decision to restore the independence of Latvia.

The session will be addressed by Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia, and Evika Siliņa , Prime Minister. Video addresses by Lauri Hussar, President of the Riigikogu of Estonia, and Saulius Skvernelis, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania, are also planned. After the speeches, the Latvian national anthem will be performed by youth choir “Balsis”, conducted by Intis Teterovskis, together with members of the Saeima, members of the Supreme Council and other attendees. The proceedings will be broadcast live on the Saeima website, on the Parliament’s Facebook and YouTube accounts, as well as on Latvian Television and Latvian Radio.

After the sitting, the members of the Supreme Council, who 35 years ago voted for the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia, will be honoured at 13:15 at the main entrance of the Saeima. Then, at around 13:30, an official ceremony will take place in front of the main building of the Saeima, with the participation of singer Daumants Kalniņš and the youth choir “Balsis”, to show the unity of the Baltic States and solidarity with Ukraine. Afterwards, an outdoor exhibition dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia will be opened in front of the parliament.

On the morning of 4 May, at 9:00, an ecumenical service will be held at the Riga Cathedral, and at 10:30, MEPs will take part in a flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument. The Saeima will also host a reception for  former speakers and members of the Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian and Ukrainian Supreme Councils.

Att. media representatives:
Media representatives who want to cover the events are asked to contact the Press Service by e-mail prese@saeima.lv or by phone +371 67087244  before 12:00 on 30 April indicating which event they plan to attend. Please arrive at the events dressed in a suit for gentlemen and business attire for ladies.

Programme of events

9:00 Ecumenical service
Riga Cathedral
TV, photo opportunity. Media representatives must arrive by 8:40.

10:30 Flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument              
Square in front of the Freedom Monument
TV, photo opportunity. Media representatives must arrive by 10:10.

12:00 Ceremonial sitting of the Saeima
Plenary Chamber of the Saeima , Jēkaba iela 11
TV, photo opportunity. Photographers and TV cameramen must arrive by 11:40.

13:15 Honouring of members of the Supreme Council
In front of the main building of the Saeima
TV, photo opportunity.

13:30 Ceremony to mark the unity of the Baltic States and their solidarity with Ukraine. Outdoor exhibition dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia
In front of the main building of the Saeima
TV, photo opportunity.

14:00 Official reception on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia
Red Hall of the Saeima, Jēkaba iela 11
TV, photo opportunity at the beginning of the event. Media representatives must arrive by 13:40.

Saeima Press Service