Legislative Procedure, Referendum and Constitutional Amendment
Ordinary legislation
The Saeima adopts laws. A law is normally adopted by a majority of members present, provided the Saeima has a quorum. The President proclaims adopted laws and may return a law to the Saeima for reconsideration. The Constitution also provides for referenda: the people may be asked to decide a draft law or a matter reserved to them. Some subjects, such as the budget and certain financial laws, are excluded from the ordinary referendum route.
Constitutional amendment
Amendments to the Satversme require at least two-thirds of all Saeima members - 67 votes - not two-thirds of those present. Certain foundational matters are protected by mandatory referendum rules, so a simple parliamentary majority cannot change them. The exact list and thresholds must be read from the constitutional text, not inferred from ordinary law. A constitutional amendment must also respect the state’s independence, sovereignty and democratic order.
Worked example
A draft amendment receives 60 votes in favour and 30 against, with 10 absent. It fails. The requirement is two-thirds of all 100 members, i.e. 67 votes, not two-thirds of the 90 members present (60). The reasoning is that constitutional change needs a supermajority of the whole chamber, not just of the quorum. An ordinary law in the same session could pass with a simple majority of those present, assuming quorum.
Traps
Do not apply the 67-vote rule to ordinary laws. Do not say the President can veto a constitutional amendment absolutely; the President’s role is defined by the Constitution and can lead to reconsideration or referendum. Do not assume a popular initiative automatically becomes law without signature or referendum. Do not ignore excluded referendum subjects such as budget and tax legislation.