Society suffers because of 'political theatre' over Istanbul Convention - PM Silina

RIGA - It is society and the people that have been exposed to domestic violence, and not politicians or the government coalition who suffer because of the political theater over the Istanbul Convention, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) wrote on X.

The prime minister noted that those who have been courageous enough to seek assistance are now seeing their experiences being used for political battles. "It is cruel," the prime minister said.

Silina calls on her colleagues, coalition partners and the public not be indifferent to violence and those who dare to speak about it. She emphasized that the Convention has significantly improved inter-institutional cooperation in preventing violence and helping victims.

In a video address attached to the post on X, the prime minister says that violence often happens when it is permitted by other people's indifference.

"I would hate to see the families, women and children who have put their trust in the state, who have put their trust in politicians, who have promised to stand up for these families, suffer in all this political theatre," the prime minister said.

She underlines that domestic violence is a very serious issue that does not encourage healthy relations at work or elsewhere.

Silina stresses that she would like to do everything in her power to ensure that the families and people who have put their trust in the state, and the institutions that have helped them, are properly supported.

The prime minister admitted that she cannot do this alone. "I need other supporters, I need ministers, I need supporters in society who understand and do not remain silent when others are being hit," says Silina.

As reported, thanks to the support of the ruling coalition partner, the Union of Greens and Farmers, the Saeima at the end of September handed over to the foreign affairs committee the opposition MPs' proposal for Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. The Greens/Farmers' vote on the Istanbul Convention has shaken the stability of the government coalition, with the ruling Unity and Progressives regarding it as a breach of the coalition agreement.

Altogether 55 MPs voted in favor of sending the bill to the committee, while 33 voted against. Coalition MPs from New Unity and Progressives voted against the bill, while MPs from Greens/Farmers voted in favor.

The New Unity has 25 MPs, the Greens/Farmers faction has 16, and the Progressives have eight. The United List faction has 13 MPs, the NA - 12, Latvia First and Stability - eight each. There are also ten non-partisan MPs at the parliament.

In Latvia, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence entered into force on May 1 last year. It is an international treaty that requires its Member States to develop coherent policies to better protect women from all forms of violence, as well as women and men from domestic violence. These include providing comprehensive assistance and protection for victims, crisis centers, a 24-hour crisis hotline, specialized support centers for victims of sexual violence, and protection and support for child witnesses of violence.