Valdis Zatlers initiated the first constitutional dissolution of the Latvian parliament, a move that fundamentally altered the nation's political trajectory in 2011. Before serving as the seventh president of Latvia from 2007 to 2011, he built a career in medicine, eventually leading the Latvian Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital in Riga.
Medical Career and Chernobyl Service
Zatlers graduated from Riga Stradiņš University in 1979 and became the chief of the traumatology unit at Riga Hospital No. 2 by 1985. In 1986, he served as a senior lieutenant in the Soviet Army, participating in cleanup operations following the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. He transitioned to leadership in 1994, directing the Latvian Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital until 2007.
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Following a nomination by the parliamentary coalition of the Saeima, Zatlers was elected president on 31 May 2007 and assumed office on 8 July. Although he had previously signed a manifesto for the People's Party in 1998, he held no formal party membership at the time of his election. His tenure was marked by a focus on economic reform, transparency, and public health.
Parliamentary Dissolution and Political Shift
On 28 May 2011, Zatlers delivered a television address calling for the dissolution of the Saeima to address systemic corruption. This followed the legislature's refusal to permit a search of the residence of MP Ainārs Šlesers. A national referendum subsequently supported the measure with 94% approval. After failing to win reelection in June 2011, he founded the Reform Party in July and served as a Saeima deputy until 2014.
Diplomatic Engagements
In December 2010, Zatlers conducted his first state visit to Moscow, meeting with Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin. He also participated in the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade. Throughout his career, he received numerous international distinctions, including the Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, the Dostyk Order of grade I, and the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Riga
- Presidency: 2007-2011
- Saeima Deputy: 2011-2014
- Education: Riga Stradiņš University, Yale University
- Occupations: Physician, Surgeon, Politician
- Languages: Latvian, Russian, English
- Chernobyl role: Medical service officer
Questions readers ask
Was Valdis Zatlers ever investigated for corruption?
Yes. He was investigated by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau regarding medical donations and equipment procurement, but he was cleared of charges in both instances.
What led to the dissolution of the Latvian parliament in 2011?
President Zatlers called for a referendum on dissolving the Saeima after lawmakers blocked a search of a colleague's home, which he cited as evidence of the corrupting influence of oligarchs.
Achievements
- deputy of Saeima (2011–2014)
- President of Latvia (2007–2011)
- president
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2009
- Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland — 2010
- Order of Viesturs — 2008
- Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Three Stars — 2008
- Educated at Riga Stradiņš University and Yale University
