The party is a successor of a social-democratic NGO of the same name (Latvian: biedrība "Progresīvie") that was founded on 26 March 2011 and was led by Ansis Dobelis.

[7] The Progressives 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.

[9] The party did not win any seats in the Saeima, receiving only 2.6% of the vote, but qualifying for state funding of €15,000 per year for surpassing the 2% threshold.

They ran with the slogan "More Europe" on a federalist platform, with their main proposals concerning social policy and green politics.

[citation needed] The Progressives' member Mārtiņš Kossovičs chairs the common City Council group of Development/For!

[20] 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.

[22] The party condemns what they dub the "aggressive policy of the Russian ruling regime", while at the same time expressing a desire for improved relations with both Russia and Belarus, which they opine would happen through "democratic processes" in these nations.

They are in favour of trade diversification aimed at reducing Latvia's dependence on Russian cargo and advocate for state funding for small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and companies that adhere to their social and environmental criteria.