Role of the Latvian Central Council’s Practice in Interpretation of the Constitution of Latvia

Abstract

During the Soviet and Nazi occupation, the Constitution of Latvia of 15^th February, 1922 (Satversme) grew into a symbol of an independent and democratic state. The national resistance movement against the Soviet and Nazi regime was organised on the grounds of the Satversme.

The Central Council of Latvia, where the representatives of the five largest political parties of Latvia joined to collaborate, emphasized the validity of Satversme and the necessity to resume the state authorities of Latvia on the terms of the Satversme.

The Speaker of the 4^th Saeima, Dr. Pauls Kalniņš (1872–1945) and his Deputy, bishop Jāzeps Rancāns (1886–1969), in accordance with regulation of the Satversme, had assumed the position of Acting President of the State under the conditions when the Republic of Latvia was occupied.