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Kulbergs Set to Lead Pro-Ukraine Coalition After Latvian Election Win
Latvia held an election for its parliament.
With most votes counted, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’s party had won the most support.
His party may be able to form a government with either of two other parties.
Kulbergs says Latvia will keep helping Ukraine and remain firm toward Russia.
He also wants stronger protection against drones and high defence spending.
Some parties that support closer ties with Russia won more seats, but a political scientist said they were unlikely to shape government policy.
Voter turnout was lower than in the previous election.
Kulbergs also says he wants to improve governance and reduce public spending.
With 97% of ballots counted, Andris Kulbergs’s United List had 35.3% and was projected to win 42 of 100 parliamentary seats.
United List’s result was described as Latvia’s biggest parliamentary election victory since independence was regained in 1991.
Kulbergs could form a parliamentary majority with either the National Alliance or the Progressives.
He pledged continued support for Ukraine, a hard line toward Moscow, expanded anti-drone capabilities and defence spending at 5% of GDP.
Turnout was 51.8%, down from 59.4% in 2022; pro-Russian parties gained representation but were expected to remain outside government influence.
- Who
- Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and his United List party; Latvian voters.
- What
- United List led the parliamentary election and was on track to form a pro-Ukraine coalition.
- Where
- Latvia.
- When
- After Saturday’s election; the report is dated October 4, with 97% of ballots counted.
- Why
- Kulbergs campaigned on improving governance and maintaining support for Ukraine and a hard line toward Russia.
Kulbergs and security-focused parties
Pro-Russian rivals
Ukraine aid and Russia policy
Kulbergs and security-focused parties
Kulbergs pledged continued support for Ukraine and said economic ties with Russia could create a weakness Russia might exploit.
Pro-Russian rivals
Pro-Kremlin rivals said Latvia should stop aid to Ukraine and focus instead on cost-of-living issues.
Defence spending
Kulbergs and security-focused parties
Kulbergs promised to maintain defence spending at 5% of GDP and expand anti-drone capabilities.
Pro-Russian rivals
The report says his pro-Kremlin rivals prioritized cost-of-living concerns, but does not specify their position on defence spending.
Key facts
- United List vote share
- 35.3% with 97% of ballots counted
- Projected seats
- 42 of 100 parliamentary seats
- Potential coalition partners
- National Alliance or the Progressives
- Turnout
- 51.8%, compared with 59.4% in 2022
- Other leading parties
- Latvia First had 13.1%; Sovereign Power had 11.7%; National Alliance had 8.9%
- Defence pledge
- Kulbergs pledged defence spending at 5% of GDP and more anti-drone capability
- Population
- Latvia has a population of 1.9 million
Quotes
Andris Kulbergs
Latvian prime minister speaking to reporters on election night.
“Any economic ties with Russia makes us weak. Yes, it can bring some extra money, but it’s a weakness Russia might exploit.”
theprint.in
“It’s remarkably good. I was not expecting such a result.”
theprint.in
Roberts Kits
Political scientist commenting on Kulbergs’s election appeal.
“Kulbergs played on being a get-things-done type of guy and has persuaded the voters that he can do things differently, bring some fresh energy.”
theprint.in
Sources
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