Latvian Farmers’ Union board steps down after election defeat

The board of the Latvian Farmers’ Union (LZS) has decided to resign, taking political responsibility for the results of the 15th Saeima election, the party told the LETA news agency, LSM reported.

The board will continue working until the party congress to help prepare for it and ensure the organisation’s work continues. The congress, planned for early next year, is expected to elect a new board and party chair.

Before the congress, regional conferences will be held and party branches will nominate candidates for the board and chairmanship. The current board is led by Economics Minister Viktors Valainis, who was elected party chair in 2023 and re-elected unanimously in 2025. Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze and Saeima member Harijs Rokpelnis serve as deputy chairs.

LZS is one of the parties that make up the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS). ZZS failed to win seats in the election and did not cross the 5% threshold. It will be the first time in the alliance’s 24-year history that it is not represented in the Saeima.