German Bundeswehr secures parliamentary elections in Latvia

Four German Eurofighters and around 40 Bundeswehr soldiers are in action in Latvia this weekend. Not because of a military conflict, but to secure the EU and NATO country's parliamentary elections.

There is great concern about possible provocations. Drones have recently invaded Latvian airspace several times. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs warns that elections could be an opportunity for Russia to cause unrest.

“Such events as elections or events offer our neighbors a welcome opportunity to cause unrest,” says Kulbergs.

Latvia looks to Russia with concern

By “neighbor” Kulbergs means Russia. Latvia was occupied during World War II and was then forced to become part of the Soviet Union. The country only regained its independence in 1991.

The historical experiences continue to shape the way many Latvians view Russia today. However, a third of the population speaks Russian at home. Society therefore has different perspectives on the relationship with its eastern neighbor. Prime Minister Kulbergs says that the people of Latvia know particularly well what Russia is capable of.

But not all Latvians share his assessment: "There is a fairly large part of society that does not perceive Russia as a threat," says Kulbergs. Some asked why the government was spending so much money on defense, security and border protection. Their attitude is: "This is our neighbor - we should be friends." Kulbergs considers this view to be wrong.

Government relies on rearmament

The conservative government in Riga is committed to clear demarcation from Russia and close cooperation with Western allies.

She repeatedly accuses Russia and its ally Belarus of deliberately putting pressure on Latvia. According to the government, this includes drone flights over Latvian territory as well as the accusation that migrants are being deliberately brought to the border in order to bring them illegally into the EU and cause political disputes here.

Latvia therefore wants to further increase its defense spending. From 2027, at least five percent of economic output should flow into defense. But at the same time the government is facing problems at home.

High prices and an ailing healthcare system

Many Latvians struggle with high living costs. The health system is also chronically underfunded. These issues play an important role in the election campaign.

The right-wing populist party “Latvia First” is particularly trying to benefit from this. In polls it is in second or third place behind Prime Minister Kulberg's conservative party. Candidate Olga Petkevica criticizes the strong focus on the war in Ukraine: "I'm not saying that Ukraine is bad or Russia is good. But first and foremost I think about how we live here and I see how everything is going down the drain," she says.

Dispute over further aid to Ukraine

The “Sovereign Power” party is even more vocal in its opposition to current foreign and security policy. She rejects further military support for Ukraine.

Party leader Julija Stepanenko says Latvia should help people affected by the war. She rejects arms deliveries and new debts: "We are in favor of helping all the people here who need help, the victims of the war. But sending money, taking on debts and straining our budget - absolutely not."

However, with its comparatively open attitude towards Russia, “Sovereign Power” is largely isolated. Participation in a future government is therefore considered unlikely.

Difficult government formation expected

A total of 14 parties and electoral lists are running. After the election, it could therefore be difficult to form a stable government coalition.

At least the election itself should take place today as undisturbed as possible, also thanks to security from the German Bundeswehr.