Riga – In the latest parliamentary election, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is on track to retain power and assemble a pro‑Ukraine coalition. His centrist United List secured 35.3% of the vote, translating to 42 seats in Latvia’s 100‑seat Saeima, the strongest showing since independence in 1991.
Election results and coalition prospects
With 97% of ballots counted, United List led the field, followed by the populist Latvia First at 13.1% and the pro‑Russian Sovereign Power party at 11.7%. The nationalist National Alliance earned 8.9% of the vote. Political scientist Roberts Kits noted that United List could achieve a parliamentary majority by partnering with either the National Alliance or the liberal Progressives.
Kulbergs’ agenda and voter expectations
Kulbergs, a 47‑year‑old businessman and amateur rally driver who assumed office in May after the previous coalition collapsed over stray Ukrainian drones, pledged to maintain a hard line toward Moscow. He warned that any economic ties with Russia create a weakness that Moscow could exploit. The prime minister also promised to keep defence spending at 5% of GDP, one of NATO’s highest levels, and to boost anti‑drone capabilities.
Voter turnout was 51.8%, down from 59.4% in 2022, but Kulbergs described the result as “remarkably good” and said he had not expected such a strong showing.
Economic outlook
Latvia’s economy has lagged behind its Baltic neighbours for more than a decade. Kulbergs has vowed to improve governance, cut red tape, and reduce public spending, aiming to revitalize growth and restore confidence among Latvian families and businesses.
Opposition stance
Pro‑Russian parties, while gaining seats, remain on the margins. Their leaders argued that aid to Ukraine should be halted and that the government should focus on cost‑of‑living issues affecting the country’s Russian‑speaking minority. Kits said these parties are unlikely to influence policy.
Latvia, with a population of 1.9 million, sits between the Baltic Sea and Russia/Belarus, with NATO and EU allies Estonia and Lithuania to the north and south. The election outcome reinforces the country’s commitment to NATO’s collective defence and to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
