Vineta Muizniece Latvian lawyer and politician Date of Birth: 03.11.1956 Country: Latvia

1. Sandra Kalniete: Latvian Jurist and Politician
2. Early Career and Political Involvement
3. Ministerial and Parliamentary Roles
4. Appointment to the Constitutional Court
5. Criminal Case and Suspension of Judicial Duties
6. Guilty Verdict and Loss of Judgeship

Sandra Kalniete: Latvian Jurist and Politician

Sandra Kalniete is a prominent Latvian jurist and politician who played a significant role in her country's political landscape.

Early Career and Political Involvement

Kalniete began her career in the legal profession, working for the Legal Department of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia and later as a lecturer at the University of Latvia. Her involvement in politics began with a position as legislative advisor to President Guntis Ulmanis.

Ministerial and Parliamentary Roles

In 2004, Kalniete was appointed Minister of Justice in the cabinet of Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. In the parliament (Saeima), she served as Chairperson of the Mandate and Legal Affairs Committee, Chairperson of the People's Party parliamentary group, and Vice President of the Saeima.

Appointment to the Constitutional Court

In 2010, Kalniete was elected Judge of the Constitutional Court. Her election raised some controversy, with the leader of the New Era party, Solvita Āboltiņa, suggesting it was the result of an alliance between the opposition People's Party and members of the governing coalition.

Criminal Case and Suspension of Judicial Duties

In 2011, Kalniete's judicial duties were suspended due to a criminal investigation into the possible falsification of documents by the Saeima's Legal Affairs Committee in 2009. In December 2011, she was formally charged.

Guilty Verdict and Loss of Judgeship

In June 2014, Kalniete was convicted and sentenced to a fine of €2,846. The verdict took effect, resulting in the loss of her position as Judge of the Constitutional Court.