Party manifestos give Latgale more attention, but few concrete solutions

In the four years since the previous Saeima election, Latgale has become more visible in political parties' election programs. However, the way parties write about the region has changed.

From a periphery to a border region

Previously, Latgale was mainly described as a less-developed periphery of Latvia in need of support for growth. Now the region is increasingly viewed through a security lens, tied to the country's eastern border, which needs to be strengthened, guarded and made resilient against potential threats.

Few concrete answers to everyday needs

Although Latgale is mentioned more often in party programs, there are still relatively few specific proposals addressing how residents can earn a living, travel more easily, or access necessary services. Among the pledges mentioned are building a high-speed road and introducing a lower value-added tax rate for Latgale, but a broader, more detailed vision for the region's economic and social development is largely missing.