New Saeima convenes for inaugural session
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The newly elected Saeima, Latvia's parliament, has convened for its inaugural session, marking the official start of a new legislative period. This follows the parliamentary election in early October, which saw Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' four-party coalition secure 35% of the vote.
Meanwhile, an unidentified object that had prompted a search by the National Armed Forces and caused alarm has landed near Tilza in the Balvi region. In other domestic news, new details have surfaced concerning the controversial granting of Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divja Višvanata, including revelations about a secret citizenship commission meeting. Additionally, financial declarations from officials overseen by the Latvian Academy of Sciences have revealed significant incomes and savings.
Ongoing domestic discussions include warnings from Professor Andris Ambainis about Europe's dangerous lag in AI development, and the continued investigation into how a funeral cartel operated. Young scientist Kristaps Paļskis has also been recognized for his innovative cancer treatment research at CERN, while political scientist Linda Curika is using a theatrical role to address women's societal roles, and Livonian linguist Valts Ernštreits received a literature prize.