In the parliamentary elections in Latvia wins Russian-speaking party – Russian Newspaper

October 4 in Latvia took the next parliamentary elections. It was attended by 13 political parties. The five percent threshold for representation in the Diet broke six of them.

As at 2 o’clock in the morning when counting votes in the lead most of the opposition party “consent” with 25 percent of the vote. Second and third place is shared between the ruling “Unity” and “Union of Greens and Farmers,” scored 20 percent of the vote. The fourth place is occupied by members of the ruling coalition of the radical “nationalist association” with 15 percent. In the Diet and tested two new parties, “Regional Alliance” and “From the Heart – Latvia”, who collected 6 and 7 percent of the vote.

It should be noted that the turnout this year was a record low during the existence since 1991 Fourth, the Republic of Latvia – only 57 percent.

As a result of the publication of the first results of the Prime Minister of Latvia Laimdota Strayuma stated that the basis of the ruling coalition should remain the same. The leader of the opposition as “Concorde” Riga Mayor Nil Ushakov insists that the government has formed a winner, that is his party.

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Alexander Vidyakin, political scientist:

– Parliamentary elections in Latvia took place in a very nervous situation. Not only nationalist parties, but the ruling party “Unity” in the last days before the vote began to escalate the tantrum. They say that these elections are crucial: a means to vote for the “Unity” and then “save all of NATO.” Always calm Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (“Unity”), no longer hiding, branded “enemies of the state” – is, in its opinion, the party “Consent” and its leader, mayor of Riga Nil Ushakov.

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Many Latvian media and portals also injected a tantrum. Russian-speaking citizens were called “fifth” column. And almost all the experts acknowledged that the events in Ukraine are automatically made winners of the election the ruling coalition, which urges NATO base in Latvia. Therefore, almost no one was surprised the results of surveys of voters. According to these data the first leader of the election was the party “Unity”, and just behind it, with a margin of a few percent, followed “Consent”. In the camp of the ruling parties began rejoicing and then Prime Minister Straujuma hastened to declare that the new government will include parties that form and the current cabinet, that is, “Unity”, “Union of Greens and Farmers’ National Association. However, once began to appear the first data of the Central Election Commission, the mood in the camp of the ruling began to deteriorate. According to the CEC, the winner of the elections to the 12th Saeima was the Social Democratic Party “Consent”, which received 25% of votes. Behind her followed by a large margin the Union “green” and peasants – 20%. “Unity” was able to barely get the support of 20% of voters. Very well made by the nationalists: National Association received 15% of votes. And in the Diet get two newcomers: Latvian Association regions (6%) and the Party “From the Heart – Latvia” (7%). Other parties have not overcome the 5% barrier.

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Latvian association of regions – it’s quite a motley company of Mayors Latvian provincial towns, which offended the government and united to redirect financial flows regions. In turn, the Party “From the Heart – Latvia” was created under one person – very popular in Latvia, the former head of the National Audit Office Ingunu Sudrabu who went to the polls under the banner of harsh criticism of the government.

The balance of votes may present ruling surprises . It is clear that “unity” is losing its influence and can hardly assume the formation of a government. Entrust the creation of a new Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia President may “Union of Greens and Farmers.” Candidate of that party Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs has glory practical economic planner and no ideological blinders will not prevent him to cooperate with the Russian-speaking “consent”. To this union can join the party and Inguny Sudraba and Regionals. Thus they will have an overwhelming majority in parliament, and “Unity” and nationalists may remain in opposition.

Is it possible to such a scenario? Much will depend on the President of Latvia Andris Berzins, who must understand that to ignore the victory “Concord” – it means to deepen the rift between the Russian-speaking and Latvians. It is unlikely that he will be able to close your eyes to choose 25% of Latvian citizens.