Latvia Reverses Its Decision to Exit the Istanbul Convention Amid Political Controversy and International Concerns
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has officially announced plans to send the bill proposing the country’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention back to the Saeima for reconsideration.
This move has sparked significant public and political debate, highlighting internal conflicts between branches of government and raising questions about Latvia’s commitments to international agreements.
In an open letter to the parliamentary speaker, Rinkēvičs emphasized that critical legal issues remain unresolved and require further analysis, warning that rushing the decision could undermine trust in Latvia’s international reliability.
He also noted that finalizing withdrawal without completing the transitional period—set in previous declarations—could create a legal vacuum with detrimental consequences for Latvia’s international reputation.
As elections are scheduled for autumn 2026, the government’s actions seem to reflect internal instability, with Latvia poised to become the first EU member state to officially leave a human rights treaty.
The internal disagreements and the need for constructive parliamentary dialogue are key factors in determining the future of this sensitive international initiative, as current decisions will undoubtedly influence the country’s unity and global standing.