Poll: nearly half of Latvians oppose withdrawal from Istanbul Convention

A new SKDS survey commissioned by the news portal Delfi and public broadcaster LSM shows that Latvian society remains divided over the country's participation in the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention against violence towards women and domestic violence, though opposition to leaving it prevails. Asked whether Latvia should remain a party to the convention or withdraw (denounce it), 46.9% of respondents said the country should not withdraw, while 35.6% supported withdrawal. Another 17.5% found it hard to answer.

Divide along party lines

Support for staying in the convention is strongest among potential voters of the ruling New Unity party and the Progressives, with 96% and 98.1% respectively opposing withdrawal. The opposite view dominates among supporters of Sovereign Power/United New Latvians, 69.4% of whom back leaving the convention, against just 17.2% opposed. Majorities of National Alliance (51.2%) and Latvia First (57.1%) potential voters also favor withdrawal.

Divide by gender, age and education

Women are far more likely than men to oppose withdrawal — 50.6% of women are against it, compared with 29.7% who support leaving. Among men, opinion is nearly split, with 42.5% opposed to withdrawal and 45.6% in favor. Opposition to leaving the convention is stronger among younger respondents and seniors. Higher education correlates with stronger support for remaining in the convention: 53.5% of respondents with higher education oppose withdrawal, compared with 49.3% of those with basic education and 41.9% with secondary or vocational secondary education. By ethnicity, 49.3% of ethnic Latvians and 41.1% of respondents of other ethnicities oppose withdrawal.

The survey was conducted from July 10 to 15 among 1,205 permanent residents of Latvia aged 18 to 75. Electoral preference breakdowns apply only to responses from Latvian citizens. The 15th Saeima elections will take place on Saturday, October 3, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.