Urbanovics to propose self-dissolution of Harmony party at its congress

Janis Urbanovics, a board member of the Latvian political party Harmony ("Saskaņa"), intends to propose at the party's congress that it dissolve itself. He told the newspaper Diena that the congress has been organised for 21 November and may well be the last one. The move follows a dismal showing in the 15th Saeima (Latvian parliament) election, where the alliance "Saskaņas centrs" won 0.820% of the vote.

A wish to finish sooner

Urbanovics said he wants to end the process quickly to ease the situation for people who were part of the party during its long history, so they would not have to watch Harmony's suffering. He added that even before the election the party had discussed whether "the party should be brought to an end" because its time had passed, but it was decided to keep trying.

Apathy and leadership

Last week the politician acknowledged that the poor results stemmed from apathy and from his failure to rouse the party. In his view, apathy was also fed by leaders moving to other political forces, from which they kept addressing both Harmony members and voters. He also cited a general lack of belief, noting that half of voters stayed home, which he called very bad news for Latvia.

Urbanovics no longer sees himself in Harmony and believes it needs a new leader. He pledged to see matters through to the end, but said he would not be the one entitled to make promises or urge others on. He is ready to offer advice to this or other parties.

He concluded that the election results show Harmony is not in demand among the public, and least of all among its own members. He did not rule out that leaders who grew up within the party might consider a new project and start from a "blank page".