The ruling coalition, failing to ensure a quorum at the Saeima meeting and thus not considering all the bills at the last session of the Saeima this year, prematurely closed the autumn session on Thursday and went on Christmas holidays.
The coalition got "stuck" on amendments to the education law, which require schools to conduct education primarily in person and impose significant restrictions on distance learning, especially in the first six grades.
Distance learning or home schooling in grades 1-6 is planned to be allowed only for one year for those students who have undergone an assessment by the local government. The assessment will determine the special circumstances under which this form of education is in the best interests of the child. These may include social, medical circumstances, issues with access to education, or other significant circumstances, with a conclusion that must be provided by the local government.
The coalition was only able to gather 46 votes when it came to voting on this amendment in the final reading. Igor Raev, who usually votes with the coalition, and Andrey Tseliapiters, once elected on the "New Unity" list, voted against, while the majority of opposition deputies did not vote, resulting in a lack of quorum, and the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina, closed the session.
The ruling coalition has long been in an unstable state, and there is no confidence that it can continue to work together. After the adoption of the state budget for the next year, discussions about the imminent termination of the government of Evika Silina ("New Unity") have subsided. The Prime Minister insists that the budget showed that the coalition has 52 votes, but disagreements on various issues remain evident.
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