Latvian National Independence Movement

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The Latvian National Independence Movement (LNNK) was a political group in Latvia from 1988 to 1997. It began as the more radical wing of Latvia’s nationalist movement and argued for full independence from the Soviet Union from the start.

Leaders included Eduards Berklavs, Aleksandrs Kiršteins, Andrejs Krastiņš, Einars Repše and Juris Dobelis. The group was formed in July 1988.

After Latvia won independence, LNNK became a political party and changed its name to the National Conservative Party. In the 1993 elections it won 15 of 100 seats and was a strong opposition voice. Its candidate for Prime Minister, Joachim Siegerist, finished second, losing by one vote. LNNK won Riga’s city election in 1994 but soon lost popularity.

In the 1995 parliamentary election it lost about half its seats. In 1997 it merged with For Fatherland and Freedom (TBP) to form the National Alliance, a right‑wing party with a strong Latvian focus. The alliance promoted a distinctly Latvian vision, including ads encouraging Latvian-made goods and warnings about non‑Latvians. There is also an Estonian party with a similar name, the Estonian National Independence Party.