The Progressives (Latvia)

The Progressives have stated that one of their main goals is implementing the Nordic welfare model in Latvia (the party's political programme is even called "Turning towards the Nordic countries").[4] The party's principles include implementation of a progressive tax system, responsibility towards the environment, fighting against corruption and the shadow economy, an active state role in the economy, dropping GDP as the main measure of development (in favour of others which take the well-being of society into account such as the Happiness index), gender and LGBT equality.[5]

The Progressives participated in the 2017 Latvian municipal elections in four municipalities. In two of these, Aizpute and Mārupe Municipality, they won seats on the local councils.

The Progressives participated in the 2018 Latvian parliamentary election. Prior to the election, they declined to join an alliance with the center to right-wing liberal parties, which was later created without the Progressives as Development/For!.[6] They argued that staying out of the alliance was necessary to ensure that the party's left-wing policies and high standard for political donations were not compromised. The Progressives had a unique gender parity principle on their ballots, with all election list leaders being women.[7] Their candidate for Prime Minister was Roberts Putnis.[8] The party did not win any seats in the Saeima, receiving only 2.61% of the vote, but qualifying for state funding of €15,000 per year for surpassing the 2% threshold.[9]

In 2019, the Progressives participated in the European Parliament election. They ran with the slogan "More Europe" on a federalist platform, with their main proposals concerning social policy and green politics. Although polling at 4.5% in March[10] and 4.3% in April[11] they ultimately received only 2.9% of the vote. After the election, on 28 May, Roberts Putnis resigned as party leader.[12][13]

• Official website