The decision by Latvian MEP and National Alliance member Dace Melbārde to «jump ship» and join New Unity this close to elections is very inappropriate behaviourm said NA’s Saeima faction’s deputy chairman Jānis Dombrava.
According to him, the only correct course of action would be for her to step down as MEP, because the party’s voters gave their votes for a member of NA to be represented in the European Parliament.
In the European Parliament elections of 2019 Melbārde received more than 85 000 votes. The next candidate in line after her is Saeima deputy Edvīns Šnore, who received approximately 2 000 votes less than her.
Dombrava said that there’s been a certain breach between NA and Melbārde in regards to values and arguments over certain votes at the European Parliament.
For example, «the politician did not defend Poland, which is Latvia’s geopolitical partner».
He added that there have been split views about other topics as well.
Dombrava mentioned that Melbārde did not inform anyone about her decision to join New Unity in advance.
Also read: Latvian National Alliance loses member to New Unity
When asked why she decided to leave the National Alliance, Melbārde said it is largely due to events of recent years – both Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as her work in the European Parliament. All of it made her reconsider her views about the future of Latvia and development of the European Union.
«I am a confident supporter of Euro-Atlantic cooperation. I believe now more than ever Latvia needs a strong EU and strong NATO,» she said.
«I can see a lot in common with values held by New Unity. We share views about Latvia’s growth. This is why I can see myself a politician on New Unity’s side.»
When asked if her values no longer coincide with those of the National Alliance, Melbārde said no. She stressed she still stands in favour of Latvian language as the sole state language. She also supports preservation of Latvian culture, improvement of national identity and preservation of Latvian traditions.
«I don’t see problems. It’s more about my work at the European Parliament. I am currently a member of European Conservatives and Reformists and my votes clearly indicate we have different opinions on certain topics. I am a eurooptimist,» she said.