Study: Parties split on 5% defense spending pledge ahead of Latvia's parliamentary election

Historian and researcher Kārlis Sils has completed a study of political parties' pre-election platforms on national security, commissioned by the European Latvian Association (ELA) to assess how the offerings address diaspora interests. The study found defense to be one of the most extensively covered topics in party programs, though full consensus on funding is lacking.

Five party lists — the Union of Greens and Farmers, the National Alliance, New Unity, For the Development of Latvia, and the Progressives — have committed in their platforms to maintaining defense spending at 5% of GDP. Sils notes this level is already enshrined in law, which parliament approved in March 2026, meaning the pledge largely reaffirms existing policy rather than proposing an increase. The United List and Latvia First also voted for those amendments at the time.

Two outliers

The study highlights two parties whose platforms suggest a possible wish to revise the law. Sovereign Power/Union of New Latvians proposes redirecting part of the defense budget toward internal security, infrastructure, healthcare and rescue services, and abolishing mandatory conscription into the National Defense Service (VAD). Stability, which addresses defense only sparingly, pledges to direct budget funds toward residents' needs — healthcare, education, social protection and infrastructure. Given the party's other promises of a balanced budget without borrowing and significant tax cuts, Sils argues the most realistic path for it would be cutting defense funding substantially. The party also pledges to end mandatory VAD conscription and merge the Defense and Interior Ministries.

Other parties' proposals

Latvia First similarly proposes merging the two ministries, while several parties — Harmony Center, the National Alliance, the United List and For the Development of Latvia — pledge to expand VAD, raise compensation for participants, or introduce new specializations. The New Conservative Party wants to modernize the service for contemporary warfare needs. Beyond VAD, platforms frequently mention drone warfare and air defense, development of the military industry, and cybersecurity. Latvia's parliamentary election is scheduled for October 3.