Rinkevics says Latvia should not rush decision on Istanbul Convention

Latvia should not rush a decision on what to do about the Istanbul Convention, and the issue is not currently a priority, President Edgars Rinkevics said, according to LSM.

The new government and parliament will have many urgent tasks, Rinkevics said. He added that in talks with political parties he had heard a willingness to maintain human rights standards and avoid divisive issues.

“I am convinced this is not an issue to raise right now. Let the Saeima and government get to work; perhaps the matter will resolve itself,” he said, adding that there were many ways to address it without dividing society.

Rinkevics also noted that legislation would first need to establish a consultative referendum with no binding legal effect, which would take time. He said he saw no reason for Latvia to leave the convention, adding that he saw no argument for Latvia to be the first European Union member state to do so.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List said the decision should be based on public opinion. Referring to Switzerland’s experience, he proposed a consultative referendum, saying it would give political parties a clear indication of what the public wants, though it would not be legally binding.

In October 2025, Latvia’s parliament passed a law on withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention, but Rinkevics decided not to promulgate it.