Latvia's Health Minister Abu Meri Resigns as Party Council Chair After Poor Election Result

Latvia's Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri has announced he is stepping down as chairman of the council of the New Unity (JV) party, saying he must accept his share of responsibility for the party's performance in the 15th Saeima elections. The decision was relayed to the LETA news agency by the minister's adviser, Ilona Oša.

In his statement, Abu Meri said the election result must be accepted with respect for voters' choice and a willingness to honestly assess the party's work. He acknowledged that New Unity has not functioned efficiently enough, adding that the outcome calls not only for evaluation but for responsible decisions. He has already informed the party's board of his decision to leave the council leadership, noting that it is time for him to step back from active party work.

Abu Meri said he intends to continue fulfilling his ministerial duties in good faith until a new government is formed, to ensure a smooth handover to his successor. He noted that New Unity has already begun carefully reviewing the election results, its past work and the changes needed going forward.

Three years in office

Reflecting on his time at the ministry, Abu Meri said that when he took on the role he understood the political complexity of the health sector and the need for healthcare to evolve alongside society's needs, even though implementing such changes proved far from easy. He said that while pursuing reforms he faced pressure from various interest groups, resistance from industry organisations, and personal attacks — with criticism at times extending beyond his decisions into the spread of disinformation.

The minister admitted the past three years have been difficult, with some decisions provoking dissatisfaction among parts of the public. Nonetheless, he said he deliberately chose to continue pursuing reforms he considered necessary for society and the future of healthcare. He thanked those who supported and valued his work, as well as those who criticised him, pledging to remain a committed advocate for the healthcare sector going forward.

Abu Meri, a gastroenterologist by training, has served as health minister since September 2023, first under Evika Siliņa's government and then under Andris Kulbergs' cabinet. He has chaired New Unity's council since 2019. LETA previously reported that in the recently concluded 15th Saeima elections, Abu Meri was the most "crossed-out" candidate on New Unity's list, receiving 3,369 negative marks — more than Evika Siliņa or Arvils Ašeradens. The election was won decisively by the Apvienotais saraksts (United List), while New Unity secured only seven seats.