Latvia’s next parliament to revisit Istanbul Convention dispute

The Istanbul Convention is expected to feature in discussions as Latvia forms its next government, with lawmakers considering a referendum, delaying debate or withdrawing the country’s ratification. LSM reports that a proposal to revoke ratification has been passed to the 15th Saeima, Latvia’s parliament.

The next government will also have to address the economy, the outline of next year’s state budget and possible public spending cuts, leaders of the election-winning United List said.

Asked whether the convention would be discussed in coalition talks, United List representative Edvards Smiltēns said it should not be treated as a higher priority than national defence and the economy. But he said the Saeima could initiate a petition drive for a consultative referendum. He said the issue could also be put on hold because divisive questions could wait.

National Alliance representative Ilze Indriksone said her party supports the convention’s provisions on measures to protect women from violence and address domestic violence. However, she said it could not accept the disputed definition of “gender” in the convention.

New Unity representative and former prime minister Evika Siliņa said reopening the issue by denouncing the convention would be the wrong step. She pointed to a large human rights event at Dome Square, where at least 10,000 people protested against Latvia leaving the convention on November 6, 2025. She said the issue would likely be discussed in talks to form the next government.