Health Minister Abu Meri to step down as chair of ruling party's council

Latvian Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri, a member of the "New Unity" (JV) party, has decided to step down from his post as chairman of the party's council. The news was confirmed to the LETA news agency by the minister's adviser, Ilona Oša.

According to the statement, Abu Meri is giving up the position in order to take personal responsibility for the party's disappointing showing in recent elections. The announcement does not specify which election is being referenced, but the decision is explicitly linked to the party's results.

Government post unaffected

Abu Meri will continue serving as Health Minister in the government; the resignation applies only to his internal party role leading the JV council, the body responsible for the party's strategic decisions between congresses. The move signals a shake-up within the party leadership following an assessment of its electoral performance.

No further details were provided about who might take over the council chairmanship, when the transition would take place, or what role, if any, Abu Meri intends to keep within the party going forward.