Opposition parties in Latvia have seized on culturally divisive issues to garner support ahead of the parliamentary elections in October 2026, New Eastern Europe reports. Earlier, the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, voted to withdraw from the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women. Opposition parties claim that the human rights treaty is aimed against the family institution. More than half of Latvians favour traditional marriage, and the number is even higher for older, Russian-speaking, and rural residents. Evija Djatkovica, deputy director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies Riga (GPC), said that opposition parties were using the Istanbul Convention to create contrast with moderate and progressive groups. Madara Kanasta, programme coordinator at women’s rights group Marta Centre, noted that Russian media continues to influence people in Latvia. She fears that opposition parties will begin attacking LGBT rights, medical rights, press freedom, and NGOs as well.
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