Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība
Union of Greens and Farmers
Union of Greens and Farmers
Centre-Right/Green
European Parliament Group
Change of -6.6 since last election
+2.0 in the last 3 months
The ZZS's foundation rests on two pillars: the preservation of the rural way of life and an ecologically conscious patriotism. Its worldview is deeply shaped by a nostalgic patriotism that views rural life as the nation's moral core. In this perspective, the state is seen less as a progressive architect and more as a guardian of local identity and national resources. Unlike many Western European green parties, its ideology is more conservatively preservationist than socially liberal.
The ZZS agenda primarily targets Latvia's rural population, farmers, and small business owners outside the metropolitan area of Riga. It advocates for substantial support for the agricultural sector, the protection of Latvian farmland from foreign investors, and a prudent fiscal policy. While its social policies are traditionally conservative, its economic stance champions a strong nation-state that prioritizes domestic producers. The party effectively occupies the niche of those who feel marginalized by the rapid modernization driven by liberal urban elites.
Within Latvia's political system, the ZZS operates as a classic kingmaker party with a strong inclination towards government participation. Its strategy is characterized by pronounced pragmatism, making it adaptable to various coalition formations. However, its close ties to influential local actors and economic interest groups frequently draw criticism regarding the transparency of its decision-making processes. Despite these tensions, it remains a stable anchor for voters demanding continuity and robust regional representation.
Total Duration: 17 years • 4 months • 5 days
Total Duration: 4 years • 1 day
Total Duration: 13 years • 4 months • 4 days
The party participated in government for 45% of the legislative period.
A comprehensive research database from the University of Bremen, documenting parties, elections, and governments for comparative analysis.ParlGov – Parliamentary Democracy Data
Döring, Holger and Philip Manow. 2024. Parliaments and governments database (ParlGov).
The leading expert survey on party positions in Europe. Over 400 political scientists document party stances based on rigorous scientific criteria.CHES – Chapel Hill Expert Survey
Rovny, Jan, et al. “25 Years of Political Party Positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill Expert Survey, 1999-2024.”