Overview
- The Saeima approved the withdrawal bill 56–32 with two abstentions after roughly 13 hours of debate.
- The measure was introduced by the opposition Latvia First and passed with support from the ruling coalition’s Alliance of Greens and Farmers, revealing a split in the government.
- President Edgars Rinkēvičs said he will judge the law on legal grounds and can return it to parliament or delay its publication to open a referendum window, while two governing parties say they will seek constitutional review.
- Police estimated about 5,000 people protested in Riga against the move, one of the largest demonstrations in recent years.
- The Council of Europe sharply criticized the decision as sending a dangerous message; Latvia only ratified the convention in 2024 and it took effect there on May 1, 2024.