Latvia Parliament Votes Withdrawal Istanbul Convention Amid Protests EU Concern

Latvia's parliament voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty aimed at combating violence against women, despite opposition from the prime minister and president. The decision, supported by the conservative Greens and Farmers Union alongside the opposition, was justified by claims that Latvia's existing laws sufficiently protect women and objections to the treaty's definition of gender as a social construct. This move sparked significant public backlash, with around 5,000 protesters gathering in Riga to urge lawmakers to remain in the treaty, highlighting concerns over potential harm to Latvia's international reputation and human rights commitments. The Istanbul Convention, ratified by Latvia only in 2023, has faced similar withdrawals or criticism in countries like Turkey, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Critics argue the withdrawal undermines international cooperation and weakens protections against gender-based violence, while supporters claim it preserves traditional values. The controversy has deepened political divisions within Latvia's ruling coalition and may lead to governmental instability.