Stepaņenko hails alliance’s projected 15-seat election result

The Sovereign Power/Alliance of Young Latvians is set to win 15 seats in Latvia’s 15th Saeima, with nearly 12% of the vote, according to provisional results. Alliance leader Jūlija Stepaņenko called the result “quite a noble representation” in an interview with Latvian Radio, LSM reported.

“We will work so that voters can be proud of our work. We are very happy to have this opportunity,” Stepaņenko said.

Asked whether the alliance would be a vocal and constructive opposition or try to sabotage the government, she replied: “If you call exposing lies and stopping theft sabotage, then you can call it that.” She added that the balance of power in parliament could still change over the four-year term, and that “all sorts of surprises” were possible.

Stepaņenko said the alliance expected to find partners for some initiatives, including abolishing the housing tax. She also suggested there could be support for electing the president by popular vote and introducing a mixed electoral system.

Neither of the parties that make up the alliance has previously been represented in the Saeima. Political scientist Juris Rozenvalds told Latvian Television that the National Alliance deserved much of the credit for its success. He said the alliance would draw attention to many issues, adding that it would be “a steam that brings things to a boil.”