political stakes?

[Punchinello]

"Analysts say government statements and the decision to elevate MRC talks to the ministerial level raises the political stakes of the Xayaburi controversy."
What does "political stakes" mean? Thank you very much!

[Tdol]

It means that there is more at risk, more danger- the issue has taken a greater importance and could have a greater impact. A stake is the amount of money bet on the outcome of a result, like a horse race, gambling, etc, so if the stakes are higher, there's more to be won or lost.

[Punchinello]

Thank you very much!

[Tdol]

You're welcome.