Parties fall short on many social policy promises

A Re:Check fact-checking project by Re:Baltica, published by LSM, found that parties in Latvia’s previous parliamentary elections failed to fulfil several promises on pensions, family support and demographic policy.

The parties that have been part of the government during the current parliamentary term had promised to raise pensions, provide more support to families, reduce taxes and address demographic problems.

Pensions were not indexed twice a year

The Union of Greens and Farmers and the United List promised to restore pension indexation twice a year. However, pensions in Latvia continue to be indexed once a year, on October 1.

Welfare Minister Reinis Uzulnieks of the Union of Greens and Farmers said the party had reconsidered the promise. He said twice-yearly indexation could be problematic if prices rose during the first half of the year but did not increase during the second half.

Minimum pension raised but target missed

The National Alliance promised to raise the minimum pension base, while the Progressives pledged to adjust small pensions to the cost of living.

The Progressives’ leader, Andris Šuvajevs, said four years ago that minimum pensions should be set at 30% of median income, which would have amounted to at least 300 euros under the conditions at the time.

The minimum old-age pension has been increased, but currently stands at 255 euros and has not reached the promised 300 euros.

Other social promises

Pension supplements have been restored, but an annual benefit has not been introduced.

A lower value-added tax rate on food has been introduced only partially. Parties have also failed to fulfil their promises in the area of demographic policy.

The situation of children left without parental care has not improved. A cohabitation regulation was introduced, and Latvia ratified the Istanbul Convention.