Latvia to elect a new parliament
Elections to Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, will be held this Saturday. The country has been governed by a centre-right coalition of five parties since 2018, with the Social Democratic "Harmony" party, which sees itself as representing the Russian minority, in opposition. With Moscow's war of aggression still raging in Ukraine, the election could reshape the political landscape.
Putin sympathisers no longer have a say
Neatkarīgā writes:
“Regardless of how many seats in parliament 'non-Western' parties win, they don't have the slightest chance of being included in the governing coalition. Gone are the days when one could flirt a little with these parties. Parties that cannot bring themselves to clearly condemn Putin's crimes have deliberately excluded themselves from the political process in exchange for parliamentary seats and state money. The politicians of these parties can live relatively carefree for the next four years without having any significant influence on 'big' politics.”
Rational and strong politicians needed
Diena outlines the requirements for the new MPs:
“We know that the high prices of energy resources may lead to economic tensions in the coming winter, and that if not military, then psychological tensions will be perpetuated by Moscow's aggressive policies. And so it is crucial that the people in power in our country have an understanding of economics, can think rationally, and have a character strong enough to be able to withstand Russia's imperial aspirations both covertly and openly.”