COBALT provides legal assistance to the foundation APEIRONS in preparing an opinion for the Constitutional Court

On 9 July 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that Paragraph 2 of Cabinet Regulation No. 1605, in so far as it determines the amount of the social security benefit for unemployed persons with disabilities and seniors, does not conform with Articles 1, 91 and 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia and is void from 1 January 2021.

The Constitutional Court emphasized that the current amount of the social security benefit does not ensure the satisfaction of the basic needs of its beneficiaries and enable them to live a life with dignity. Moreover, the Court condemned the approach the Cabinet of Ministers took when determining the amount of the benefit, which only took into account matters related to the state budget and not the actual increase in living expenses and the overall economic situation. Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers had failed to review the amount of the social security benefit.

Client of COBALT, foundation advocating for the rights of disabled persons APEIRONS was invited to express its opinion as Amicus Curiae to the Constitutional Court. COBALT team, including Managing Partner Lauris Liepa, Associates Dr. Toms Krūmiņš and Gabriela Šantare, and Assistant Lawyer Maira Pužule was honored to provide pro bono legal advice in this case.