Latvia: Harmony Centre favourite to win elections
Overview:
The pro-Russian Harmony Centre is leading Unity as parliamentary elections approach at the weekend. A lot of voters remain undecided so surprises are possible. However, it seems likely that Harmony Centre will lead a three-party coalition with the Union of Greens and Farmers and For a Good Latvia. These parties have worked together before although with Harmony Centre as a junior partner. While it has already been in government its leadership of a new coalition government would raise questions over Latvia’s geo-political alignment and economic policy continuity. In reality, there is little scope for manoeuvre in either case given NATO/EU membership and IMF/EU bailout commitments. Policies with regards to the Russian minority on citizenship and language would be the most likely difference.