Zemgale residents share their hopes for the 15th Saeima

Ahead of the elections to Latvia's 15th Saeima, the newspaper Zemgales Ziņas surveyed several well-known figures from the region about what they expect from the new parliament.

Defence and development

Jānis Āboliņš, head of the "For Jelgava's Development" association, says that given the current geopolitical situation, investing in defence is unavoidable, but the state must also focus on healthcare, education and affordable housing for young families, which could help encourage people to return to Latvia. He also stresses the importance of honest and efficient use of public funds, citing Jelgava as an example, where procurement prices dropped by 30–50% in some categories after the 2025 municipal elections brought a change of ruling coalition.

Trust and cooperation

Pastor Valdis Vircavs urges voters to judge candidates by their past actions rather than campaign promises. Jānis Avotnieks, head of the Zaļenieki parish residents' association, echoes this, wishing for lawmakers who communicate more with the public instead of fighting among themselves.

Economy and specific projects

Inita Krivašonoka, head of an agricultural consultation office, hopes for sensible rather than populist decisions. Civil engineer Nauris Asarītis wants the new government to sort out the Rail Baltica railway project and national airline airBaltic. Farm manager Normunds Degainis points to rising fuel costs, comparing Latvia's situation to Poland, where the excise tax on fuel has been frozen.

Young people and families

Sabīne Anna Gulbe, a student at Spīdola State Gymnasium voting for the first time, hopes Latvia will not withdraw from the Istanbul Convention and that the number of state-funded university places will increase. Krišjānis Dzalbe, a father of a large family, stresses the need to maintain Latvia's pro-European course and support for Ukraine, urging people to vote.