Latvian parties divided over territorial reform changes

Latvian parties are divided over whether the country’s previous territorial reforms have delivered results and whether the municipal map should be changed, according to responses compiled by Latvian Public Media, or LSM.

LSM asked political parties and alliances whether the territorial reforms had fully justified themselves and what specific improvements they would make over the next four years.

One group says the reform has failed but does not plan to redraw the municipal map or has not addressed that issue. It includes the United List, the National Alliance, the Progressives, Latvia First, Rising Sun for Latvia and the Harmony Centre.

A second group allows for changes to the municipal map. It comprises the New Conservative Party, We Change the Rules, Sovereign Power and the New Latvians, and Stability!

The Union of Greens and Farmers, New Unity, For Latvia’s Development and the Gobzems List do not state unequivocally that the reform has failed, but point to improvements that are needed.