Saeima approves Karina Palkova as the new Ombudsperson

On Thursday 18 September Parliament approved Dr. iur. Ms Karina Palkova as the new Ombudsperson with 71 Members or Parliament voting for her approval. According to the Ombudsman Law. Ms Palkova begins performing the duties of the Ombudsperson right after giving the solemn oath before the Parliament.  The term of office of the Ombudsperson is 5 years.

Ms Palkova has set protection of children rights, safety and human rights in the digital environment, as well as social security, incitement of family violence and openness of the Ombudsman’s Office as her priorities.

Until the post of the Ombudsperson Ms Palkova has been the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Rīga Stradiņš University, associate professor and senior researcher. She was also a sworn advocate specializing in medical law, also working as the councillor for the Minister of Health on patient rights. Previously Ms Palkova was the head of the Public Counsil of Jūrmala City Municipality.