Latvia's party manifestos: what they promise on education and science

Ahead of Latvia's 15th Saeima elections on October 3, political parties and their alliances have laid out extensive but divergent positions on education in their pre-election manifestos.

Stance on "Skola 2030"

Views on the widely criticized "Skola 2030" curriculum reform differ sharply. The "Apvienotais saraksts" alliance pledges to refine it together with teachers and parents, while "Stabilitātei!" and "Suverēnā vara"/"Jaunlatvieši" want to scrap it entirely, including lifting restrictions on distance and home schooling. "Gobzema saraksts" promises a complete overhaul of the education system.

Curriculum content and language

Several parties highlight specific subjects: "Nacionālā apvienība" wants to strengthen history and civic education content and introduce financial literacy, while "Progresīvie" promises comprehensive health education. On language, "Stabilitātei!" and "Saskaņas Centrs" support education in minority languages, whereas "Latvija pirmajā vietā" wants graduates to know at least four languages.

Assessment and exams

Multiple parties propose changing exam and grading rules. "Mēs mainām noteikumus" wants to abolish centralized exams, "Gobzema saraksts" would remove the ban on retaking grades and eliminate homework, while "Suverēnā vara"/"Jaunlatvieši" would allow students to retake at least one grade per semester.

Higher and vocational education

"Saskaņas Centrs" promises more state-funded university places and gradual movement toward free higher education, while several parties propose raising scholarships to Baltic-region levels. Fewer than half of the parties addressed vocational education — "Mēs mainām noteikumus" sets a goal of 70% of young people choosing vocational training.

Rural schools

Almost all parties support keeping education accessible in the regions, pledging to preserve small rural schools and boost their funding.