Latvia Decides to Withdraw from the Istanbul Convention: Political and Public Implications
The Latvian Parliament engaged in historic debates regarding the country’s ratification and subsequent denunciation of the Istanbul Convention — an international framework by the Council of Europe aimed at preventing domestic and gender-based violence.
During the session, which lasted over twelve hours, legislators from both sides of the political spectrum voiced their arguments, discussing potential impacts on society.
On October 30th, the voting results showed that 56 deputies from opposition parties supported the initiative to withdraw, while 32 parliamentarians, including representatives of the ruling ‘New Unity’ and ‘Progressive’ parties, opposed it.
Some deputies abstained or supported the maintenance of the convention.
Throughout the discussions, numerous amendments to the Administrative Code concerning ratification were proposed, but most were rejected by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the parliament.
Widespread protests and public demonstrations outside the parliament building reflected the deep societal split on this issue: approximately five thousand people gathered in protest against the denunciation, expressing their support for its continuation.
Polls and debates indicate many Latvians believe that the convention has not significantly reduced violence levels, arguments often cited to justify the withdrawal.
According to diplomatic sources, 15 European countries, including Germany, France, the UK, and Poland, urged Latvian officials to remain part of the international legal framework, emphasizing the Convention’s importance in combating violence against women and protecting human rights.
Currently, President Edgar Rinkēvičs has ten days to make a decision: sign the law, send it back to parliament, or suspend its enactment to allow for a referendum.
Legal experts are divided on whether a referendum is procedurally possible regarding the denunciation, but the issue promises to deepen societal polarization.
Withdrawing from the convention would make Latvia the only country that formally disavowed participation after Turkey, the first to ratify it, later leaving the treaty while preserving its original name and significance.