The Failure in the Saeima Elections Led to the Resignation of the Leadership of One of the Oldest Parties in Latvia

According to the LETA agency, the decision to resign was made on Tuesday, October 20, at a meeting of the board of the Latvian Farmers' Union. Despite the announced resignation, the current leadership will continue to perform its duties until the party congress. This is necessary for the preparation of the congress and to ensure the continuous operation of the organization. ## Who is Leaving the Party Leadership The board of LZS is currently headed by Latvia's Minister of Economics Viktor Valainis. He was elected chairman of the party in 2023 and was unanimously re-elected to this position in 2025. The deputy chairpersons are former Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze and Saeima deputy Harijs Rokpelnis. The board also includes Vineta Kine, Uldis Augulis, Kaspars Melnis, Miks Balodis, Hardijs Vents, Dainis Karols, Edgars Mekshs, Inguna Paredne, and Andris Ravinsh. The decision to resign concerns the entire governing body of the party. ## A New Chairman Will Be Elected Next Year Elections for a new board and chairman of the Latvian Farmers' Union are scheduled for the party congress, which is expected to take place in early 2027. Before that, regional conferences will be held, and members of local branches will be able to nominate candidates for leadership positions. Thus, the party will have several months to discuss the reasons for the electoral failure and determine the further direction of development. ## What Caused the Resignation The main reason for the personnel changes was the results of the elections to the 15th Saeima. The coalition "Union of Greens and Farmers," which includes LZS, failed to obtain parliamentary mandates. After the elections, discussions began within the party leadership about the need for changes in the organization of its work and further political strategy. Now these discussions have led to the collective resignation of the board. At the same time, it is still unknown whether Viktor Valainis will again run for the position of chairman of LZS or if the party will choose a new leader. A final decision on the future leadership will be made at the congress in early next year.