Show Notes
With Latvia’s 15th Saeima election on 3 October 2026, this episode of No Malas Redzams examines what five political candidates actually said when speaking directly with Latvians in Australia and New Zealand.
Māris compares the answers from: Arvils Ašeradens — Jaunā Vienotība (New Unity), List No. 9 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Unity Edgars Tavars — Apvienotais saraksts (United List), List No. 7 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_List Mairita Lūse — Progresīvie (The Progressives), List No. 14 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Progressives_(Latvia) Artūrs Butāns — Nacionālā apvienība (National Alliance), List No. 5 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arturs_Butans Edmunds Zivtiņš — Latvija pirmajā vietā (Latvia First), List No. 8 - https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmunds_Zivtins
The questions go to the heart of Latvia’s future: a shrinking and ageing population, labour shortages, immigration, national and internal security, education, healthcare, pensions, economic growth, and Latvia’s relationship with its worldwide diaspora.
What separates the parties? Where are their answers specific? Where do the numbers become less clear? And, perhaps most importantly, what didn’t they say?
No one declares a winner, and no one recommends how to vote. Instead, this episode puts their answers side by side so listeners can hear the differences, examine the promises, and decide for themselves.
Five politicians. The same questions. Five different approaches to Latvia’s future.
Read the programmes. Check the promises. Look at the numbers. Then make your choice.
Something to say? - email Māris - [email protected]
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