Latvia's Kulbergs eyes election win as Russia divides society
Exit polls projected United List to win 35.6% of the vote as security fears and disputes over Russian-speaking voters shaped the campaign.
- On Saturday, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centrist United List secured the largest parliamentary election victory since 1991, capturing 35.3% of the vote and 42 seats in the 100-seat Saeima.
- Kulbergs assumed office in May after his previous coalition collapsed over stray drone incursions; he campaigned on "unwavering support to Ukraine" and maintaining Latvia's defense spending at 5% of GDP.
- Voter turnout reached 51.8%, down from 59.4% in 2022, as populist Latvia First and Sovereign Power parties gained ground among the fragmented Russian-speaking electorate amid security and economic concerns.
- Although the United List emerged strongest, Prime Minister Kulbergs must secure coalition partners to form a government, as most major parties have ruled out cooperation with the politically isolated Sovereign Power.
- The incoming administration faces sluggish economic growth and regional disparities, yet Latvia's commitment to NATO and the EU persists despite societal divisions over the war in Ukraine.
201 Articles
201 Articles
Pro-Ukraine governing coalition wins 35% in Latvian election
Latvian lawmakers on Sunday planned to begin negotiations to form a new government following a parliamentary election in which pro-Ukraine prime minister Andris Kulbergs's four-party coalition emerged with 35 per cent of the vote.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centrist party, the United List, won a landslide victory in the Latvian parliamentary election, winning the most seats by the largest margin since 1991. Following the vote, the Prime Minister set the goal of forming a coalition explicitly pro-Ukraine.
Latvian Leader Surges to Big Election Win as Russia Threats Rise
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’ party won a record number of seats in Latvia’s parliamentary elections, a result that should help him consolidate power at a time of growing security threats from Russia.
Surprisingly clear is the centre-right alliance at the end: Andris Kulbergs can remain Prime Minister in Latvia. The parliamentary election in Riga was also a vote on the country's Ukraine course.
Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Clear confirmation of the pro-EU and pro-Ukraine course of the head of government: in Latvia the party of Prime Minister Kulbergs wins clearly. It should again lead the government.
The pro-Western government in Latvia has won a clear election victory. On the track remains the putin-friendly opposition.
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