Libina-Egnere calls on opponents of Istanbul Convention in Saeima to 'unfreeze their frosty hearts'

RIGA - Justice Minister Inese Libina-Egnere (New Unity) calls on opponents of the Istanbul Convention in the Saeima to "unfreeze their frosty hearts".

On Thursday, the Saeima has already debated for several hours whether to withdraw from the Convention. The draft law is being considered for its second and final reading.

Addressing the MPs, Libina-Egnere pointed out that a respectful dialogue is currently missing from the discussion on denunciation of the Convention. The Minister stressed that the Constitutional Court had already confirmed that the Convention was compatible with the Constitution and that this had been taken into account when deciding on the ratification of the document. She stressed that a discussion on the legal scope of the Convention had taken place with both supporters and opponents when the Convention was ratified.

"And I sincerely believe that those who voted against based their decision on their voters' possible beliefs, ignorance, values. I accept that," said Libina-Egnere.

At the same time, she asked those MPs who want to withdraw from the convention if they are sure that the supporters of these politicians were not present at Wednesday's protest against the withdrawal from the document. "Do you know in your heart that you know your constituents and you know that they were not there?" asked Libina-Egnere rhetorically, stressing that these people came to defend the rule of law, human rights and democracy.

The Minister also asked whether the voters of the opponents of the Istanbul Convention, when they say that they do not want the ratification of the Convention, are saying that they want to violate Latvia's international obligations without due consideration.

She called for respectful consideration of their constituents, "whom you may not have seen yesterday".

"I know that you have hardened not only your hearing, but also your hearts," said Libina-Egnere. However, it can be "thawed" if given the chance and if one is willing to respectfully understand what is best for Latvian society in the long run, the Minister said.

As reported, on Wednesday around 5,000 people gathered at the Saeima to protest against Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, one of the largest protests in recent years.

The Saeima is deciding on the withdrawal from the Convention in its final reading today. In the first reading, 52 MPs from the opposition parties and the Union of Greens and Farmers voted in favor of withdrawal.

The withdrawal bill was submitted by the opposition party Latvia First, but is also supported by other opposition parties - National Alliance, United List and Stability, as well as politicians from the ruling coalition Greens/Farmers. The withdrawal from the Convention is not supported by the coalition parties New Unity and the Progressives.