Protests31 October, 20253 min read
Latvian Parliament Votes to Withdraw from Istanbul Convention Protecting Women Against Violence
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Latvian parliament voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on October 30, 2025. Thousands protested the withdrawal decision in Riga prior to the parliamentary vote.
6 outlets told this the same way.
Latvia Withdraws from Istanbul Convention
Latvia’s Saeima voted to withdraw from the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention after a marathon 13-hour debate. The vote was 56 deputies in favor and 32 against. The issue now moves to President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who can either promulgate the law or return it to parliament for reconsideration.
“Latvia’s parliament voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, with 56 deputies in favor and 32 from coalition parties New Unity (JV) and The Progressives opposing.”
Coverage differs on how the vote is framed. Daily Jang reports that the vote would make Latvia the first EU country to take this step after Turkey’s 2021 exit. Baltic News Network emphasizes the expedited procedure and the lack of a two-thirds majority, which would have limited the president’s options.
LRT confirms the final reading passed after the 13-hour debate. Fakti.bg places the vote on October 31, 2025, highlighting the timing and domestic political tensions surrounding the decision.
Concerns Over Convention Withdrawal
Human rights advocates and women’s organizations warn the withdrawal would weaken protections and reverse gains since ratification. They cite increased help-seeking and clearer prevention frameworks as important achievements. LRT reports that supporters, including the MARTA Centre, credit the convention with helping Latvia criminalize sexual harassment and improve laws addressing root causes of gender‑based violence.
They also warn that Turkey’s 2021 exit was followed by increased unreported domestic violence. Public mobilization against the withdrawal was significant.
BNN reports roughly 5,000 people protested in Riga against withdrawal, compared to a 20‑person pro‑withdrawal picket. LRT notes that thousands participated in protests, and Daily Jang highlights a petition with 22,000 signatures.
Latvia's Gender Equality Convention Debate
Opponents of the convention within Latvia argue it promotes "gender ideology," undermines traditional family values, and imports foreign concepts of "social gender." Supporters and international bodies reject these claims. BNN reports that LPV led the push against the convention, joined by some ZZS members.
“The opposition, led by the Latvian Russian Union (LPV) and supported by some coalition members from the ZZS party, argue that Latvia’s appended declaration to the convention is not recognized by several other signatory states, causing practical and legal issues.”
They criticized the convention’s emphasis on "gender" and claimed that withdrawal would avoid disputes over Latvia’s appended declaration and enable better funding allocation. Daily Jang notes that ultra‑conservative groups oppose the treaty’s emphasis on gender equality.
Fakti.bg says opponents object to gender being treated as a social construct. LRT reports the Council of Europe dismissed such claims from conservative critics.
Political Reactions to Vote
The political fallout is immediate. Daily Jang calls the vote a setback for centre‑right Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. BNN reports instability within the ruling coalition and notes that President Rinkēvičs has kept a neutral stance.
The president has pledged to carefully review the bill if it reaches his desk. LRT adds that the president suggested the move is politically motivated ahead of next year’s elections. This contrasts with fakti.bg’s portrayal that both the prime minister and president objected to the bill.
Procedurally, BNN stresses the absence of a two‑thirds majority leaves the president free to send the bill back. Daily Jang says the law still awaits presidential approval.
Latvia's Rights Convention Debate
Beyond Latvia, LRT warns the move could signal a regional slide in rights and democracy. LRT draws parallels with Hungary and Lithuania in this context. It reports that European countries and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe urged Riga to reconsider.
“Over 22,000 citizens petitioned against withdrawal, and several European countries urged Latvian lawmakers to reconsider, emphasizing the convention’s role in strengthening protections against violence toward women.”
Daily Jang situates the decision alongside Turkey’s 2021 withdrawal from the convention. Daily Jang asserts that Latvia would be the first EU state to do so. BNN highlights the damage to Latvia’s international reputation caused by this decision.
BNN also notes that opponents may still seek a referendum or legal challenges. fakti.bg emphasizes the Council of Europe’s human-rights framing of the convention’s purpose. fakti.bg points out the ideological clash over gender definitions at the heart of the Latvian debate.