The Latvian parliament has endorsed a new law that will establish special pensions for judges and prosecutors, a significant change in the nation's pension legislation scheduled to take effect in 2027. The decision, supported by 63 coalition members—including representatives from 'Jaunā Vienotība', 'Zaļo un Zemnieku savienību', and 'Progresīvajiem'—aims to bolster the independence of those in the judicial system by providing them with a financial framework that recognizes their unique roles within public service. In contrast, 22 deputies opposed the law, while one from the National Alliance abstained from voting.

The introduction of this law comes as part of wider reforms aimed at modifying the existing service pension system that has been applied to judges and prosecutors. According to the Ministry of Justice, while previous pension benefits for these public servants were categorized under the service pension umbrella, they fundamentally differ in purpose and application. The new legislation seeks to clarify and reinforce the legal rights of judges and prosecutors regarding financial support once they exit their positions, thus highlighting the importance of financial security in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary.

It's important to note that the new regulations will not affect those who are currently receiving service pensions. Instead, this law will apply to individuals who assume the roles of judges or prosecutors in the future, signaling a future-oriented approach to legal service compensation in Latvia. This transition reflects the government's commitment to adapting the pension system to better meet the needs of its judicial officers, thereby striving to promote judicial independence alongside fiscal responsibility.