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Party time in Latvia

March 03, 2008

In recent months, defections from Latvia’s leading political parties have mounted, while talk continues of forming a new organization. The departures have been noteworthy—such as that of MP Sandra Kalniete leaving New Era (Jaunais laiks) or former foreign minister Artis Pabriks quitting the People’s Party (Tautas partija)—but also have included the rank and file.

The defections have been blamed on members’ unhappiness with party leadership and ideology, but public displeasure with the government also has played a role. Now at least two new parties are being formed. Kalniete and Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, who quit For Fatherland and Freedom (Tēvzemei un Brīvībai / LNNK), have been organizing a new conservative party. Pabriks and fellow People’s Party defector Aigars Štokenbergs are working, surprisingly, on a new left-of-center party.

Does Latvia need a new political party? Journalist Kārlis Streips is among observers who have asked that question in recent weeks and have concluded that the country does not. Others, like journalist Sallija Benfelde, disagree.

Four political parties make up Latvia’s coalition government: the People’s Party; the coalition of the First Party of Latvia and Latvia’s Way (Latvijas Pirmā partija and Latvijas ceļš, or LPP/LC); For Fatherland and Freedom; and the Union of Greens and Farmers (Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība, or ZZS). Opposition parties in the Saeima include New Era and the left-leaning Harmony Centre (Saskaņas Centrs) and For Human Rights in United Latvia (Par cilvēka tiesībam vienotā Latvijā). During the last parliamentary election, a total 19 parties competed for the attention of voters.

What do you think? Does Latvia need a new political party (or two)?