Territorial Organisation, Local Government and State Symbols
Unitary state and local government
Latvia is a unitary state, not a federation. Chapter I names the historical regions, but the operative municipal map is set by law. Local governments are elected councils with constitutionally protected autonomy within the limits of law. They adopt local regulations, manage municipal property, provide local services and adopt local budgets. State supervision is limited to legality; the state cannot routinely substitute its own political choices for local ones.
Symbols and territorial rules
The state flag, coat of arms and anthem are state symbols protected by law. Their use is regulated by statute, and local governments may not invent a competing state symbolism or conduct foreign policy. Changes to state territory require the constitutional procedure; a municipality cannot secede or transfer territory by its own decision. Local government decisions must comply with the Constitution and national law.
Worked example
A city council adopts a rule banning the display of the national flag on private buildings during a local festival. The rule is likely unlawful. The flag is a state symbol regulated by national law, and a municipality’s autonomy does not include redefining or suppressing state symbols. The reasoning is competence-based: the council may regulate local public order within law, but it cannot contradict national symbol rules or fundamental rights such as expression.
Traps
Do not call Latvia a federation or confederation. Do not treat the historical regions in Article 3 as today’s municipal units. Do not say local governments are completely sovereign; their autonomy is within law. Do not assume a municipality can alter state territory. Do not confuse a local regulation with a statute; local rules must have a legal basis and cannot override national law.