Political Scientist Rajevskis: Those Who Break Promises Will Lose at the Polls

As the Saeima elections approach, political scientist Filips Rajevskis of "Mediju tilts" has commented on the prospects of the United List and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. He reminds that it is not unusual in Latvia for a prime minister to remain in office after elections – this happened with Aigars Kalvītis, Laimdota Straujuma, and Krišjānis Kariņš.

Rajevskis points out that the United List differs from the New Unity before the previous election: it was not the smallest faction, spent most of the term in opposition, and only entered government shortly before the vote. However, there is a parallel with Laimdota Straujuma, who became PM eight months before the election and gained a stronger mandate through successful work. This time, the situation is complicated by both domestic and external factors, such as the war in Ukraine, which benefited New Unity last time.

The political scientist emphasizes that it is impossible to fulfill all promises in two and a half months, for example, dismantling the Society Integration Foundation and the pseudo-NGO system. Nevertheless, if the public sees the right direction, the United List could win a large number of votes and become the dominant force. If expectations are not met, voters will punish the party – "those who break promises go home."

Rajevskis also mentions the wastage of public money, citing the example of Swedbank's folk dance ensemble, which is 97% funded from the state budget even though the bank itself earns millions. Such cases create expectations for fair policy, and the government will have to show results.