Political parties contesting Latvia’s 15th Saeima election have unveiled election platforms packed with costly promises, many of which lack clear funding plans or detailed cost estimates, according to an analysis by the LETA news agency. Compared with the 2022 election campaign, which was dominated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this year’s manifestos contain significantly more long-term spending commitments.
Many parties promise substantial increases in public spending or tax cuts without explaining how they would finance the measures or offset lower government revenues.
Unlike the previous election, when parties focused on energy prices, inflation, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening national security, the 2026 programmes place greater emphasis on long-term reforms in healthcare, defence, science, taxation, pensions, social benefits, housing policy and municipal finances.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Latvia’s general government budget deficit is projected to reach 3.3% of GDP in 2026, while defence spending under NATO methodology is expected to rise to 4.9% of GDP. As a result, several parties’ pledges to spend at least 5% of GDP on defence largely reflect existing government policy, although many also promise additional funding for the domestic defence industry, public shelters and internal security.
Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība (Union of Greens and Farmers, ZZS) has one of the most detailed programmes in terms of numerical targets, promising to allocate 6% of GDP to healthcare, 2% of GDP to higher education and science, more than 5% of GDP to defence, increase the minimum monthly wage to €1,250, raise the average pension to €1,000, reduce VAT on essential food products to 5%, and abolish property tax on primary residences. However, it does not explain how these commitments would be financed.
Jaunā Vienotība (New Unity, JV) similarly promises healthcare spending of at least 6% of GDP, research and development funding of 3% of GDP, defence spending of 5% of GDP, investment exceeding 30% of GDP, and annual economic growth of at least 3.5%, without providing a detailed financing strategy.
Nacionālā apvienība (National Alliance, NA) focuses its most expensive pledges on security and demographics, promising defence spending above 5% of GDP, expanded domestic defence production, higher salaries for police and emergency services, a nationwide shelter system, strategic reserves, childcare benefits of up to €600 per month, larger family allowances and a €15,000 mortgage repayment grant for each child. The programme does not estimate the overall cost.
Latvija pirmajā vietā (Latvia First, LPV) proposes sweeping tax reductions alongside major investment plans, including a 10% corporate income tax, a 10% capital gains tax, reducing VAT to 10% on a broad range of goods and services, abolishing property tax on primary residences, allocating half of corporate income tax revenue to municipalities, launching 10 public-private partnership infrastructure projects worth €10 billion, building major roads, a concert hall, a football stadium and a contemporary art museum, while also introducing a €5,000 childbirth allowance. No financing mechanism is specified.
Stabilitātei! (Stability!) promises a balanced budget without borrowing, a 30% reduction in the size of the public administration, VAT cuts on food and prescription medicines, abolition of property tax on primary residences and increased healthcare funding, again without explaining how these commitments would be financed.
Austošā saule Latvijai (Rising Sun for Latvia) proposes increasing the tax-free allowance to the level of the average salary, abolishing property tax on the family home, introducing a childbirth allowance equal to three average monthly salaries and crediting mothers with €20,000 in pension capital for every child. No funding details are provided.
Progresīvie (The Progressives) promise higher family benefits linked to median income, larger pensions, a unified public transport monthly pass, annual caps on co-payments for reimbursed medicines and expanded housing support. While the party proposes fewer radical tax cuts than many competitors, its funding sources also remain unclear.
Saskaņas centrs (Harmony Centre) promises minimum pensions above the poverty threshold, more frequent pension indexation, higher disability benefits, increasing childbirth benefits to €1,000, free school meals through ninth grade and a fivefold increase in benefits for second children. Although the party outlines several ideas for increasing revenue, it does not calculate whether they would fully cover the proposed spending.
Jaunā konservatīvā partija (New Conservative Party, JKP) proposes sharing part of corporate income tax and VAT revenue with municipalities where businesses operate, abolishing property tax on housing, expanding regional lending, encouraging young professionals to move outside Riga and developing high-speed road corridors, without explaining how lost tax revenue would be replaced.
Apvienotais saraksts (United List, AS) promises to achieve a balanced core budget within four years, establish a Latvian Development Fund, introduce a 10% micro-enterprise tax for individuals, reduce capital gains tax, increase regional housing lending by €2 billion, and expand public-private partnerships in defence, energy and infrastructure. Its programme does not explain how these investments would be financed.
Mēs mainām noteikumus (We Are Changing the Rules) pledges to eliminate the budget deficit during one parliamentary term, introduce a 10% micro-enterprise tax, abolish property tax on primary residences, remove VAT on first homes in new developments and establish a special economic zone along the eastern border with 10% VAT and corporate tax incentives, without detailing how these measures would be funded.
Suverēnā vara / Apvienība Jaunlatvieši (Sovereign Power / New Latvians) proposes sweeping tax cuts and higher benefits, including 5% VAT on food, restaurants and hospitality services, exemption from personal income tax for people under 25, abolition of property tax on all homes, 5% VAT on medicines, electricity, water and heating, as well as free school meals and public transport for students.
Latvijas attīstībai (For Latvia’s Development) promises defence spending of at least 5% of GDP, research and development funding of at least 2% of GDP, teachers’ salaries equal to at least 1.2 times the average wage, and a balanced budget by 2030. Compared with many other parties, its financial commitments are relatively more moderate.
Overall, compared with the 2022 election, this year’s programmes place much greater emphasis on permanent budget commitments, including higher pensions and social benefits, lower taxes, linking healthcare and research spending to GDP, large infrastructure investments, expanded housing programmes and changes to municipal financing.
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