TV24 pre-election debate sparks sharp clash over legalizing euthanasia in Latvia

The latest episode of TV24's debate series "Pre-Election Debates. Fight for Latvia" tackled one of the most contentious ethical questions in public life: whether a person suffering from an incurable illness should have the right to choose the end of their own life.

Concerns over the healthcare system

Much of the discussion focused on the state of Latvia's healthcare system. Participants pointed out that it already suffers from insufficient funding, raising the question of whether euthanasia could, under certain circumstances, become a cheaper alternative to prolonged patient care. Speakers warned this could create indirect pressure both on patients who don't want to burden relatives or the state, and on doctors themselves.

Criticism of foreign practices

Debate participants also referenced practices in some Western countries where assisted death is sometimes available to people with mental health conditions, such as depression. This practice drew sharp criticism, since suffering in such cases could in principle be treatable, making the decision to end life an especially difficult ethical matter.

Representatives holding a Christian values position rejected euthanasia outright, arguing that life is given by God and that people have no right to artificially end it.

Palliative care as an alternative

The discussion also raised the need to ensure dignified treatment, pain relief and access to palliative care for people with severe, incurable illnesses, so that death is not chosen simply due to a lack of proper care.

Participants agreed that the euthanasia question cannot be settled by a single political decision — it requires broad public debate, clearly defined criteria, protection of patients' and doctors' rights, and precise legal regulation.

The debate featured Jānis Citskovskis (JKP), Aivars Smans (Saskaņas Centrs), Raivis Zeltīts (Austošā Saule Latvijai), Intars Štālbergs (Gobzema saraksts), Ivars Ijabs (Latvijas attīstībai), and Svetlana Čulkova (Stabilitātei!). The debate series airs on Sundays in September and is funded through Latvia's Media Support Fund.