Foreign Policy Research Institute A Nation Must Think Before it Acts Latvian Parliamentary Elections: Party Platform Guide
Latvian Parliamentary Elections: Party Platform Guide

Latvian Parliamentary Elections: Party Platform Guide

  • Leo Chu
  • September 28, 2022
  • Eurasia Program

Latvia will hold parliamentary elections on October 1 to elect the members of 14th Saeima. Citizens are represented by a 100-member unicameral parliament to which members are elected by proportional representation for four-year terms. To enter the Saeima, parties must pass a threshold, receiving at least 5% of the vote.

What follows is a general overview of candidate parties and their proposed policies on some key issues, according to their published party platforms, though it is not a comprehensive evaluation of the platforms. While 19 party lists have registered, the parties selected here are those that have recently received at least 5% of public support in recent polling.

New Unity (Jaunā Vienotība, JV)

JV is a pro-EU centrist party and is the current coalition leader with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš at the helm. The party ranks highest in public support, according to the latest polls, a significant increase from its electoral showing in 2018. JV’s party program considers both domestic problems and foreign affairs. The first section of its party program centers around national security. JV is pro-NATO and heavy on defense. It plans to raise national defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, which would be an approximately 20% increase compared to the present level. JV supports the current proposal to reinstate mandatory military service, with the goal to “increase the number of capable, equipped, and trained citizens.” On the question of Ukraine, JV strongly supports Ukraine and its possible accession to the EU and NATO.

JV plans to achieve “full energy independence from Russia,” including establishing a regionally competitive LNG terminal, as well as expanding solar panel infrastructure. On the question of climate change, JV says it will value sustainability in using natural resources and implementing green energy programs, and pledges to “achieve climate neutrality by 2050.” The party promises to fight “the increase in energy prices and high inflation,” particularly for households and manufacturing companies.

Domestically, JV intends to bolster national health insurance and focus on public healthcare for children. JV’s focus on children is also in its planned investment in education, including increasing teachers’ wages to 20% higher than the average wages, and raising university global ratings. JV supports a transition to primary and secondary education in the Latvian language by 2025. 

Other points of emphasis include revitalizing and modernizing the industrial economy and state infrastructure, sustaining ties and investment with the diaspora, and increasing social investments. 

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

73

63.48%

Female

42

36.52%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

16

13.9%

31-40 years old

25

21.7%

41-50 years old

29

25.2%

51-60 years old

30

26.1%

61-70 years old

12

10.4%

71-80 years old

2

1.7%

Over 80 years old

1

0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Alliance “All for Latvia!”-“For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK” (Nacionālā apvienība “Visu Latvijai!”-“Tēvzemei un Brīvībai/LNNK”,  NA)

NA is a far-right populist party alliance that is distinctly ethnonationalist and advocates for a “Latvian Latvia.” It is a member of the current coalition government. In its party platform, NA supports high social welfare, including support for families and child care, student loan cancellation, and healthcare. However, NA does not clarify how it will allocate resources to support such measures. Further, NA pledges to reduce tax in various areas, including value-added-tax (VAT) rate for food products and labor income tax.

NA’s cultural policies include Latvian language enforcement in education and commerce, as well as the rejection of immigrants “on a massive scale.” The enforcement of the Latvian language aims primarily to diminish the prevalence of Russian language and broader Russian influence. NA intends to eliminate “objects glorifying Soviet occupation” and to ban Russian media by “strengthening control” over the internet, press and publishing.

On the question of defense and war affairs, NA states its firmness with NATO, while being skeptical of EU integration of defense. It supports mandatory conscription and plans to strengthen Latvian National Guard battalions by improving their infrastructure. NA supports achieving energy independence from Russian energy through LNG and renewable resources, as well as research into nuclear energy in Latvia.

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

84

73.04%

Female

31

26.96%

 

Age

Number of Candidate

Percentage

21-30 years old

11

9.6%

31-40 years old

32

27.8%

41-50 years old

26

22.6%

51-60 years old

23

20.0%

61-70 years old

21

18.3%

71-80 years old

1

0.9%

Over 80 years old

1

0.9%

The United List – Latvian Green Party, Latvian Regional Alliance, Liepāja party (Apvienotais saraksts – Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija,” AS)

AS is an alliance of the Latvian Green Party, Latvian Regional Alliance, the Liepāja Party and a mix of independent professionals, catering largely to the rural electorate. The platform cites a need for “much more effective politics” in the face of war in Ukraine, inflation, resource deficits, pandemic and general uncertainty. It highlights security, effective governance and a growing, green economy as its priorities, but the platform itself emphasizes rhetoric over defined policy. 

With regard to security, AS indicates that strong cooperation with EU partners is key to foreign policy, as well as a strengthened NATO presence in the Baltic states. AS also plans to strengthen its national defense capabilities and develop a domestic military industry.

AS’ energy development plan is focused on “renewable and reusable resources.” However, the party doesn’t speak to energy independence, and the party program does not mention Russia at all.

AS does not elaborate on its education policies or health system reforms, though the party pledges to increase investment. A strong emphasis of AS economic policies is balancing regional inequalities. As its party make up suggests, AS pursues “balanced development throughout the country” so that rural regions can develop and politicians are held accountable to their municipalities.

Candidate Statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

76

66.09%

Female

39

33.91%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

6

5.2%

31-40 years old

21

18.3%

41-50 years old

35

30.4%

51-60 years old

36

31.3%

61-70 years old

15

13.0%

71-80 years old

2

1.7%

Over 80 years old

0

0.0%

Social Democratic Party “Harmony” (Sociāldemokrātiskā Partija “Saskaņa”, SDPS)

Harmony is a pro-Russian-language party that, despite winning a plurality of the votes in the last three Saeima elections, has remained in the opposition. It has been critical of the current coalition government’s response to COVID-19 and other global challenges. Harmony has aspirations of reforming the Latvian voting system. It prefers a majoritarian presidential election over the party list electoral system. It also wishes to lower the threshold of holding referendums and allow non-citizens to vote in local governments.

Harmony proposes left-wing economic policies. It stands for state actions in macroeconomics and regulation of “strategically important sectors.” As an example, Harmony believes a state-regulated energy market can make energy accessible at “a reasonable price.” Tax reductions, price regulation, and social assistance for the disadvantaged cited in its platform, as well.

Harmony takes a particular focus on improving the health care system and education systems. It pledges to invest in medical schools, provide additional medical staff, and control drug prices. In terms of the general education system, Harmony says more knowledge and skills should be taught prior to higher education, and a “lifelong education and professional retraining system” is needed. Harmony advocates for freedom of choice in selecting language of instruction in educational institutions.

Harmony’s party platform does not contain references to Russia, Ukraine, NATO or national security.

Candidate Statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

57

65.52%

Female

30

34.48%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

5

5.7%

31-40 years old

17

19.5%

41-50 years old

24

27.6%

51-60 years old

22

25.3%

61-70 years old

17

19.5%

71-80 years old

1

1.1%

Over 80 years old

1

1.1%

 

Union of Greens and Farmers (Zaļo un Zemnieku Savienība, ZZS)

ZZS is a center-right agrarian party that has built significant patronage networks, particularly in local elections. However, the party’s strong ties to oligarch Aivars Lembergs, recently convicted on corruption charges following a years-long criminal case, led to its exclusion from the coalition government following the 2018 elections. 

In its current party platform, ZZS highlights national, energy, and social security, as well as agricultural development, education and sports. The party supports an increase in defense spending to at least 2.7% of GDP, while also advocating for more military spending from the EU common budget. It supports Ukraine’s EU ambitions as a way to counter Russia. However, NATO is not mentioned in the ZZS platform.

ZZS is in favor of social welfare policies. One of ZZS’ proposals is to provide 240 euros each autumn to disadvantaged populations. Other rather general goals include higher pensions for seniors and increased salaries for health care workers. ZZS also says it will increase teachers’ income for a better education system.

ZZS supports a balanced, environmentally friendly development of agriculture, forestry and fishing industries. Renewable energy projects are also desired as not only a green policy but also a way to achieve energy independence from Russia. However, despite the name, the Latvian Green Party is no longer a member of ZZS.

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

76

66.09%

Female

39

33.91%

 

Age

Number of Candidate

Percentage

21-30 years old

6

5.2%

31-40 years old

19

16.5%

41-50 years old

28

24.3%

51-60 years old

35

30.4%

61-70 years old

19

16.5%

71-80 years old

8

7.0%

Over 80 years old

0

0.0%

The Progressives (Progresīvie, P)

The Progressives are a social democratic party and highlight distinctively liberal positions across their party platform. They call out corruption in politics and back the independent corruption prevention agency (KNAB). With regard to national security, they are in favor of close collaboration with the European Union, NATO, as well as Baltic Sea Region partners.

The Progressives advocate for an inclusive society, including ratifying the Istanbul Convention, supporting LGBT rights and banning discrimination based on sex and gender identity. They are in favor of increased social support for seniors, orphans, and people with disabilities. The Progressives also aim to solve housing issues both by increasing the availability of houses and preventing homelessness in the long run.

The party’s educational policies envision broader investment in preschool programs and school safety measurements, as well as a unified education system based in the Latvian language. The Progressives plan to increase teachers’ salaries to at least the national average, while providing teachers with training and support materials for an “excellent pedagogy for every child.”

The Progressives pledge to improve the health care system in numerous ways, including lowering out-of-pocket payments and expanding state-paid services, as well as prioritizing disease prevention. Digitalization and an increase in doctor remuneration are also prospected.

The Progressives criticize Latvia’s taxation policies as unfair and detrimental to development. They propose decreasing taxes on those earning less than 1,000 euro/month, and intend to cap energy prices and reduce VAT on food. To support its social policies, the party plans to implement tax policies that include tax rate ladders and impose higher rates on dividends and capital gains.

Along with a liberal social stance, the Progressives support environment-friendly policies in both the energy and agriculture sectors. Furthermore, the Progressive sees investment in clean energy as a way to ensure energy independence as well as economic competence.

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

63

54.78%

Female

52

45.22%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

34

29.6%

31-40 years old

54

47.0%

41-50 years old

15

13.0%

51-60 years old

5

4.3%

61-70 years old

6

5.2%

71-80 years old

0

0.0%

Over 80 years old

1

0.9%

Development/For! (Attīstībai/Par!, A/P!)

A/P! is a liberal democratic party with strong pro-European views and a member of the current coalition government. The first lines of its party program are “Safe together! There is a war in Europe.” A/P! pledges to pursue national, economic, and social security and views NATO forces as a pillar of Latvian national security. It also intends to prioritize Latvia’s own defense industries, air defense, and production plants, and supports the reinstatement of mandatory military service. A/P! does not directly mention Russia or the EU in its platform, but implies the party’s position with its support of a “free Ukraine in a united Europe.”

Environmental responsibility is “at the center” of the party’s goals, and their plan for economic security focuses on green energy production. The party intends to build 1,000 megawatts of alternative energy to replace gas and oil. While A/P! calls this a program for “energy security,” it does not refer to Latvia’s energy dependence on Russia. A/P! also plans short-term solutions to the coming winter’s potential crises by offering housing benefits and heating price ceilings.

In terms of social policies, A/P! plans to support families that are economically disadvantaged and fund community-based social services, as well as increase investment in regional development. A/P! advocates for “human-centered healthcare” that leans more toward prevention and screening. They are also supportive of laws protecting LGBT families.

A/P!’s educational plan is a reform model called Skola 2030 with the goal of increasing Latvia’s education rankings to be among the top in Europe. The model will raise teacher remuneration and fund competent schools to pursue free higher education. STEM, digital, and language skills will be focused at all levels of education, and A/P! advocates for doubling the investment in higher education, research and innovation.

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

75

65.22%

Female

40

34.78%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

12

10.4%

31-40 years old

28

24.3%

41-50 years old

36

31.3%

51-60 years old

27

23.5%

61-70 years old

10

8.7%

71-80 years old

2

1.7%

Over 80 years old

0

0.0%

For Stability! (Stabilitātei!, S!)

S! is a relatively new Eurosceptic, right-wing party and believes that Latvia’s economic sovereignty is infringed upon by the EU. It asserts that Latvia should not pay EU debt and should not purchase electricity at “inflated European prices.”

S! is also right-wing as it considers the role of government. It argues for a personnel reduction in the government, including halving the number of Saeima representatives and consolidation of ministries. It advocates for lower taxes and reforming the State Revenue Service. This tendency is also evident in the party’s perception of COVID-19 pandemic regulation, which they claim is “a tool to segregate people, deprive incomes, destroy private businesses” and force vaccination. They also say they intend to pursue charges against current MPs over COVID-19 policy decisions.

S! advocates for raising the birth rate with increased support for families, including a 1,000 euro benefit at birth. It advocates for canceling school reform and supports education in first languages. 

The party believes that non-citizens should have the right to vote in Latvia, and the electoral scheme should be majoritarian, instead of partisan.

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

34

52.31%

Female

31

47.69%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

11

16.9%

31-40 years old

21

32.3%

41-50 years old

19

29.2%

51-60 years old

8

12.3%

61-70 years old

6

9.2%

71-80 years old

0

0.0%

Over 80 years old

0

0.0%

Latvian Russian Union (Latvijas Krievu savienība, LKS)

LKS identifies itself as a representative for Russian minorities in Latvia. The party argues that Latvia should be multilingual, and the languages and cultures of minorities should be respected. Its pro-Russia perspective is represented by its discussion of the EU’s role in foreign policy. LKS opposes sanctions against third parties, and it argues that the EU should mainly solve “internal problems” and not sell values to countries that do not wish to join the EU. However, LKS stands for deeper EU integration within the member states.

Not surprisingly, LKS believes that the Russian language should be an available language of instruction “at all levels of the educational system, from kindergartens to universities.” The party proceeds to argue that more teachers should be trained to teach in Russian and foreign teachers should be invited to Latvia. LKS also plans to increase teachers’ salaries to at least double the national average.

LKS’s economic policies are rather leftist. It proposes to introduce a minimum income. This is different from minimum wage, which LKS promises to adjust annually corresponding to the inflation rate. LKS believes that growth in the minimum wage should be no slower than the growth of high-level governmental officials’ salaries. LKS also plans to increase pensions and give qualified seniors a choice to retire five years before the general age.

LKS’s energy plan is in line with its pro-Russia stance. The party argues that energy import policies should be “rational” and “minimally dependent on geopolitics.” As LKS says that “price, reliability of supply and available infrastructure” should be sole determinators in deciding on an energy supplier, it implies that Russia should be the choice.

The party does not make any reference to Ukraine, NATO, or the national security of Latvia vis-à-vis Russia.

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

66

64.71%

Female

36

35.29%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

9

8.8%

31-40 years old

23

22.5%

41-50 years old

21

20.6%

51-60 years old

22

21.6%

61-70 years old

14

13.7%

71-80 years old

9

8.8%

Over 80 years old

4

3.9%

Latvia First (Latvija primajā vietā, LPV)

LPV is a populist party that purports to be pro-Christian and pro-“traditional” family values and has the goal of making Latvia one of the richest countries in the world in eight years. It is led by oligarch Ainārs Šlesers, former transportation minister, who has long weathered accusations of corruption. The party advocates for direct election of the president and greater presidential powers. It criticizes COVID-19 regulations and is against mandatory vaccination policies.

The party also advocates for lowered taxes and tax exemptions for 18-year-olds in their first year of employment to stem emigration. In terms of education, LPV advocates for competitive pay and attracting foreign teaching staff, ensuring students learn four languages by the end of high school. They support benefits for families with children, including state funds toward mortgage loans, depending on the number of children in a family. LPV supports strengthening the definition of a one-woman-one-man family in the constitution to protect from “foreign ideologies.”  LPV also stands for an indexing of pensions, which will increase as inflation grows.

LPV makes broad reference to security, but does not provide details beyond working with EU and NATO partners to “ensure peace and stability in Europe.”

Candidate statistics

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

81

70.4%

Female

34

29.6%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

7

6.1%

31-40 years old

21

18.3%

41-50 years old

30

26.1%

51-60 years old

35

30.4%

61-70 years old

19

16.5%

71-80 years old

3

2.6%

Over 80 years old

0

0.0%

The Conservatives (Konservatīvie, K)

The Conservatives is a right of center, pro-NATO party and a member of the current coalition government. The party intends to achieve energy independence from Russia by building LNG infrastructures and boosting solar and wind energy production. It also stands for electricity connection programs with Sweden.

The Conservatives pledge to increase the armed forces threefold, up to 50,000 soldiers. The party encourages domestic military production, as well as purchasing NATO weaponry, e.g. HIMARS and NASAMS. In foreign affairs, The Conservatives also look for deeper cooperation with NATO allies as well as Ukraine.

The Conservatives take a tough-on-crime stance. It pledges to establish an Academy of Justice and create a new generation of police, prosecutors, and judges. At the same time, the party stands for an increase in police and firefighter salaries.

On the matter of education, The Conservatives look to ensure stability and keep previous reforms in effect. The party plans to increase salaries of teachers and especially those in pre-school educational institutions. The Conservatives also believe that Latvian should be the only language of instruction. One distinct highlight in their educational plan is to invest more in physical education, as well as funding science and higher education. They advocate for increasing family benefits for children.

Other points of emphasis include improving the health system, including increased government funding for medicine and improvements in cancer treatment.

Candidate statistics:

Gender

Number of Candidates

Percentage

Male

81

70.43%

Female

34

29.57%

 

Age

Number of Candidates

Percentage

21-30 years old

6

5.2%

31-40 years old

32

27.8%

41-50 years old

39

33.9%

51-60 years old

27

23.5%

61-70 years old

8

7.0%

71-80 years old

3

2.6%

Over 80 years old

0

0.0%

 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a non-partisan organization that seeks to publish well-argued, policy-oriented articles on American foreign policy and national security priorities.

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