Ineta Ziemele, judge at the European Union Court and former chair of Latvia's Constitutional Court, explains that the Latvian Constitution (Satversme) plays a vital strategic role in times of crisis by anchoring the country to democratic and legal principles that protect individual rights. She warns that weakening democracy and freedoms under the pressure of international turbulence parallels historical threats, including those posed by Latvia's eastern neighbor. Ziemele argues against shrinking freedoms during crises and highlights the imperative to maintain information and speech freedoms even amid disinformation challenges. She discusses the recent Constitutional Court ruling that the current public media framework for minority language programming is constitutionally insufficient and underscores that minority rights apply primarily to historical minorities with Latvian citizenship, distinct from Soviet-era migrants. The interview covers the need for resolving the Soviet occupation legacy via truth and reconciliation measures to improve national unity and security. Ziemele also stresses the importance of societal debate on constitutional values and balanced application of legal restrictions under Article 116. Overall, the Constitution serves as a guide to face internal and external challenges while protecting Latvia's democratic and national identity.

Ineta Ziemele, judge at the European Union Court and former chair of Latvia's Constitutional Court, explains that the Latvian Constitution (Satversme) plays a vital strategic role in times of crisis by anchoring the country to democratic and legal principles that protect individual rights. She warns that weakening democracy and freedoms under the pressure of international turbulence parallels historical threats, including those posed by Latvia's eastern neighbor. Ziemele argues against shrinking freedoms during crises and highlights the imperative to maintain information and speech freedoms even amid disinformation challenges. She discusses the recent Constitutional Court ruling that the current public media framework for minority language programming is constitutionally insufficient and underscores that minority rights apply primarily to historical minorities with Latvian citizenship, distinct from Soviet-era migrants. The interview covers the need for resolving the Soviet occupation legacy via truth and reconciliation measures to improve national unity and security. Ziemele also stresses the importance of societal debate on constitutional values and balanced application of legal restrictions under Article 116. Overall, the Constitution serves as a guide to face internal and external challenges while protecting Latvia's democratic and national identity.