JV announces its Saeima election candidate list leaders

The New Unity (JV) alliance has officially announced the leaders of its candidate lists for the upcoming 15th Saeima elections. In the Riga electoral district, the list will be led by Baiba Braže, while Evika Siliņa will head the Vidzeme list. Rihards Kozlovskis will lead in Latgale, Edmunds Jurēvics in Zemgale, and Inga Bērziņa in Kurzeme.

JV's candidate for prime minister is former Finance Minister and current Saeima deputy Arvils Ašeradens.

The alliance's program emphasizes national security, pledging to allocate 5% of GDP to defense and promote a permanent NATO presence in Latvia. It also promises to strengthen the eastern border, enhance internal security services, and support the National Guard.

On the economic front, JV aims for annual GDP growth of at least 3.5% and investment exceeding 30% of GDP. It commits to fiscally responsible budgeting, keeping external debt below 55% of GDP, raising the minimum wage and tax-free allowance, and reducing bureaucratic burdens on businesses.

Healthcare funding is set at a minimum of 6% of GDP, while education reforms include quality improvements and fair teacher salaries. The program also focuses on strengthening the state language, regional development, family-friendly policies, and modernizing public administration with measurable results.

The official lists and program will be submitted to the Central Election Commission on July 2 at 2 PM. Candidate registration began on June 20 and will continue until July 5. The 15th Saeima elections are scheduled for early October.