Latvia SDPS: Latest polls, election results and positions
Election Trend
2.1 %
-2.7 since the last election
Last Election
4.8 %
Election 2022 · 0 Seats
3-Month Trend
-0.4
Three months ago: 2.5 %
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Harmony
S&D
Latvia
Social Democratic
Founded 2009
The SDPS (Saskaņa) is a social-democratic party in Latvia, primarily positioning itself as a representative of the Russian-speaking minority. It combines left-leaning economic policies with a strong focus on social inclusion and ethnic reconciliation, yet remains under constant scrutiny due to its historical proximity to Russia.
Values and Ideology
Saskaņa's foundation rests on an inclusive understanding of Latvian citizenship. It aims for a model where ethnic origin is secondary to social justice. Its philosophy is collectivist, asserting that the state bears responsibility for the well-being of the vulnerable. Ideologically, it navigates the tension between classical European social democracy and a conservative societal outlook, particularly reflecting its core electorate's values on tradition and family.
Political Priorities
The party's agenda focuses on expanding the welfare state, advocating for higher minimum wages, and protecting the rights of minorities, particularly within the education sector. It champions policies for the urban working class, pensioners, and Latvia's Russian-speaking population. A central objective is to bridge the societal divide between Latvians and non-Latvians. In foreign policy, it traditionally advocates for pragmatic relations with its eastern neighbor, a stance that often isolates it within the Latvian political landscape.
Role in the Political System
Strategically, the SDPS acts as a bridge-builder facing a systemic dilemma: while it held governmental responsibility at the municipal level, for instance in Riga, access to national government has largely been denied due to informal "cordon sanitaire" alliances formed by center-right parties. Its relationship with state institutions is characterized by an endeavor to be recognized as a loyal actor within the democratic framework, while simultaneously sharply criticizing the state's national-conservative orientation.
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SDPS: Key issues and ideological profile
SDPS
Other Parties
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Topic
Salience
Position 2024
Position 2019
Question
Stance
Economy & State
Should income and wealth be redistributed?
Advocates moderate redistribution in favor of social justice.
Stance
How should the state manage its available budget?
Seeks a balance between investments and fiscal discipline.
Stance
Should the local economy be protected?
Represents a balanced position between trade and protection.
Stance
Society & Values
What is more important: freedom or security?
Seeks balance between freedom and security.
Stance
Should the equality of women be promoted?
Supports measures to promote equality.
Stance
Should LGBTQ+ equality be advanced?
Holds a neutral stance on LGBTQ+ advancement.
Stance
Should same-sex marriage be allowed?
Skeptical of same-sex marriage.
Stance
What role should religions play in politics?
Accepts limited influence of religious values.
Stance
Should policy focus on urban or rural areas?
Favors urban development promotion.
Stance
Environment & Globalization
What is more important: environmental protection or economy?
Seeks to balance ecological and economic interests.
Stance
What is more important: climate protection or economy?
Prioritizes economic growth over climate protection.
Stance
Migration & Integration
How should immigration policy be regulated?
Holds a balanced position between openness and control.
Stance
How should immigrant integration be shaped?
Supports integration while preserving cultural diversity.
Stance
Should ethnic minorities be granted more rights?
Advocates targeted promotion and protection of ethnic minorities.
Stance
What role should nation-states play?
Views national and international responsibility as balanced.
Stance
Democracy & Institutions
How should power be distributed?
Holds a neutral stance on power distribution.
Stance
How independent should the judiciary be?
Advocates a completely independent judiciary without political influence.
Stance
How should the state be organized: centralized or federal?
Supports decentralization with clear regional competencies.
Stance
All elections since 1945 in which SDPS participated. Click a row to see election details.
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
Today
Led government
Involved in government
Not in government
No government involvement to date
SDPS has not been involved in any government since 1990.
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