Latvia’s recent parliamentary vote to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention (IC), aimed at protecting women from violence, has drawn strong reactions across Europe. The decision reflects internal politics more than a commitment to women’s rights, showcasing a growing weariness with “European values.” Key opposition parties, led by oligarchs Ainars Slessers and Aivars Lembergs, are positioning themselves for upcoming elections by rallying against perceived alien cultural norms associated with the IC, which they argue disconnect them from the realities of working-class life.
Despite notable advancements for women in Latvia, such as high parliamentary representation, the country faces significant challenges, including a high rate of femicide and economic inequality. The concept of “European values” has historically united those opposing Russian influence, but the rejection of the IC indicates a fracture in this coalition, revealing discontent with neoliberal policies perceived as favoring elites over working-class needs.
Latvia’s political landscape has shifted over the last three decades from a coalition supported by nationalists and liberals to one where solidarity among working people is increasingly crucial. The Progressive Party’s defense of the IC, framed within “European values,” failed to resonate with those struggling under economic pressures. Many Latvians are seeking a balance between respecting local culture and improving labor conditions, suggesting that future support for European ideals may hinge on addressing socioeconomic disparities and delivering tangible benefits to the populace.
Overall, the political climate suggests that without attention to local issues and labor rights, the appeal of “European values” could continue to diminish, entrenching the influence of local and external oligarchic forces.
