Communist Party of Latvia

The Communist Party of Latvia (LKP) was the sole political power in Latvia during the Soviet era, operating under the umbrella of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. This party was largely dominated by non-Latvians and Russified Latvians.1

The LKP's power began to wane in the late 1980s, coinciding with the rise of pro-democracy movements like the Popular Front of Latvia. In 1990, Latvia transitioned to a multiparty system, and the Communist Party was outlawed in 1991. The legacy of the LKP led to widespread distrust of large, centralized political parties in Latvia.1

Latvia experienced Soviet occupation starting in 1940, with significant deportations and a period of severe political repression and Russification. Following World War II, mass deportations continued, and large-scale immigration from other Soviet republics drastically altered the ethnic composition of Latvia. The ruling Communist Party of Latvia was disproportionately composed of immigrants in the 1950s, leading to a purge of officials accused of Latvian nationalism.2