Only two Latgale MPs return to parliament as others plan next steps

Only two people who represented Latgale in Latvia’s 14th Saeima were re-elected to the next parliament, with former MPs considering retirement, a return to previous jobs or other plans, LSM’s Latgale newsroom reports.

Thirteen seats were allocated to the Latgale electoral district in the 2022 election. Changes during the four-year term meant that 18 people occupied those seats. Latgale will have 12 seats in the 15th Saeima, one fewer than before.

Juris Viļums of the United List and Viktorija Pleškāne of Latvia First were the only former Latgale MPs re-elected. LSM asked the region’s outgoing representatives what they plan to do after their parliamentary mandates end. Some said they had no firm plans, while others intend to leave politics or continue working in their parties.

Greens and Farmers Union MP Anita Brakovska said she would retire in two weeks. “Nothing special or noteworthy is happening in my life any more. In 14 days, I will be a pensioner,” she wrote.

Anna Rancāne of New Unity said she wanted to take a breather after four years in parliament. She described the work as tiring, particularly in terms of its emotional demands.

Some former MPs plan to spend more time with their families or return to their previous professions. Two former female MPs said they would take some time to rest. Former minister Melnis said he was still reflecting on what to do next.