The Istanbul Convention should remain in force in Latvia; however, if the parliament cannot reach a consensus on this issue now, it would be logical to pass it to the next Saeima, believes Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).
On Tuesday, the politician positively assessed the decision of the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, to return the issue of the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for reconsideration.
“Thus, the voice of society, non-governmental organizations, and our international partners, as well as the decision made by the government, has been taken into account,” emphasized the Prime Minister.
As previously reported, on Monday afternoon, the President of Latvia announced that he was sending the law on Latvia's withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention, back to the Saeima for reconsideration.
In addition, the President called for the decision on this matter to be entrusted to the next Saeima. The next parliamentary elections are scheduled for the fall of 2026.
“In essence, this issue should be resolved by the next Saeima. We have already held discussions with representatives of political parties as well as with representatives of non-governmental organizations. I hope the Saeima will heed my arguments and reconsider this decision, as well as take into account the aspects mentioned in my appeal for reconsideration,” the President stated at a press conference at the Riga Castle.
