Health Minister Abu Meri to step down as Unity party board chairman after election setback
Latvia's Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri announced he is leaving his post as chairman of the Unity party board and will step back from active party work, citing the party's poor election result. He will continue as health minister until a new government is formed.
Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri has decided to resign as chairman of the 'Unity' party board and withdraw from active involvement in the party going forward. He informed the party's board of his decision, explaining that the election outcome must be met with respect for voters' choice and an honest assessment of the party's work.
The minister acknowledged that Unity has recently failed to operate effectively enough, and said he personally bears part of the responsibility for that. He stressed that the election result demands not just evaluation but also responsible decisions. Abu Meri said he intends to continue fulfilling his duties as health minister in good faith until a new government is formed, so the role can be handed over to his successor.
Three difficult years in a complex sector
Reflecting on his time in healthcare, Abu Meri said that when he took office he understood the political complexity of the sector. In his view, the healthcare system must evolve to meet society's changing needs, though such change is rarely easy to implement. While pursuing reforms, he faced pressure from various interest groups, resistance from industry organizations, and personal attacks, with criticism at times extending beyond specific decisions into the spread of disinformation. He admitted the past three years have not been easy, and that some of the public were dissatisfied with the changes and decisions made. Nevertheless, he said he deliberately chose to continue pursuing reforms he considered necessary for society and for the future of healthcare.
Abu Meri thanked voters, including those who trusted and valued his work as minister, as well as those who offered both support and criticism, pledging to remain a champion of the healthcare sector.
Background
Abu Meri, a gastroenterologist by training, was appointed health minister in September 2023 under Evika Siliņa's government and retained the post under Andris Kulbergs' government. He had chaired Unity's board since 2019. In the 15th Saeima election, Abu Meri was the most crossed-out candidate on his party's list, while Unity secured only seven seats in the new parliament — fewer than other parties that entered the Saeima. Voter turnout this year was the lowest since Latvia regained independence.
