If the Saeima adopts the bill on Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, promoted by the opposition and the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs will assess this law.
In an interview with TV3, when asked what he would do with the Istanbul Convention, Rinkēvičs did not give a direct answer but said that the electoral campaign before the Saeima elections started very early, parties are nervous about their ratings, but he will not participate in this campaign.
"If I see that this is just an election campaign, I will evaluate it only from a legal and only from a state perspective, and not from an ideological one," Rinkēvičs said.
The President admits that after a decision on a possible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention is made, it will "land on his desk." He will then assess all aspects and announce his decision within ten days, but until then he will not comment or take anyone's side. According to Rinkēvičs, by taking such a position, he reduces the division in society caused by this issue.
The President also views the proposed opposition changes to abortion regulation as part of the election campaign.
Rinkēvičs is disappointed that in the pre-election atmosphere, politicians are passionately discussing human rights issues, but this energy does not manifest in more pressing matters of security or the economy, and discussions often lack respect and rationality.
After negotiations with the factions, Rinkēvičs is confident that the budget for the next year will be adopted by the coalition. He sees three positive aspects in it - increased funding for defense, demographics, and education - but is concerned about the high level of public debt.
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