Latvian parliament votes to exit Istanbul Convention

After a marathon day of debates lasting more than 13 hours deputies voted to quit the international treaty by 56 votes to 32, with 2 abstentions.

Last week, after lengthy debates, the Saeima supported withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in its first reading. With 52 votes in favour, it was supported by the opposition parties – the United List, National Alliance, For Stability! and Latvia First – together with a coalition party, the Greens and Farmers Union, and several non-aligned MPs.

Before the second reading, there was time to submit proposals to the draft law. However, on Wednesday, 29 October, at the meeting of the responsible committee, all proposals were declined, and several participating NGOs were not even given the floor.

On Wednesday evening, a mass rally took place at the parliament building protesting against the possible move. A public initiative on manabalss.lv also has more than 20,000 citizens' signatures. 

Though the Saeima has expressed its will, it may not be the end of the line – if President Edgars Rinkēvičs decides to show some interest in the matter.

In order for the bill on exiting the Istanbul Convention to come into force, it must be signed by the President of Latvia. Rinkēvičs has so far been tight-lipped about what he will do. He must make a decision within 10 days.

The President may refer the law to the Parliament for another reading. If this happens, the Saeima, without debate, shall refer the President's motivated objections to the responsible committee and decide on the deadline for submitting proposals and reviewing the law again.

During this additional reading, parliament considers only the objections of the President of the Republic and proposals related to the objections expressed by him.

If the Saeima does not amend the law, the President of the Republic cannot raise objections again.

However, the Constitution provides that the President of the Republic may suspend the publication of a law adopted by the Saeima for two months. The President may also be requested to do so by no less than one-third, or at least 34, of the Saeima members. 

If the President of Latvia suspends the publication of the law, the Central Election Commission must begin collecting signatures to initiate a referendum on the repeal of the law. The collection of signatures lasts 30 days, and in order to hold a referendum, at least one tenth of the number of citizens eligible to vote in the last Saeima election must sign. In this case, this would be more than 154 thousand citizens – a tall order.

In addition to these instruments, there is the possibility of appealing to the Constitutional Court and the Progressives and New Unity parties have already expressed their support for such an option. Upon receiving such an application, the Constitutional Court panel must decide whether to initiate a case. It should be noted that this would set a precedent, as the Constitutional Court has not yet considered any case involving the denunciation of a signed international treaty.