Latvia elects new parliament – pro-European course expected despite populist gains
Quick Look
- Parliamentary elections will take place in Latvia on Saturday.
- Despite expected gains from populist parties, the pro-European and pro-Ukrainian course of the country with 1.8 million inhabitants is expected to be confirmed.
- The center-right United List party under Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is leading in the polls.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Latvia's previous government collapsed in May following a drone incident in which two Ukrainian drones launched from Russia crashed in Latvia and caused a fire at an oil storage facility in Rēzekne. Afterwards, a coalition led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs took over the reins of government.
A new parliament will be elected in Latvia this Saturday. Despite gains for populist parties, the election is expected to confirm the pro-European and pro-Ukrainian course of the Baltic state with 1.8 million inhabitants. The centre-right United List party led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is leading in the polls.
A coalition led by Kulberg took over government at the end of May after the previous government fell apart as a result of a drone incident. The trigger was two Ukrainian drones that crossed the border from Russia and crashed in Latvia. One of them caused a fire in an oil depot in Rēzekne in the east of the country. According to Ukrainian information, they were on their way to targets in Russia and were distracted by Russian air defenses.
“We have to give Ukraine everything it needs”
Kulbergs has promised to expand Latvia's drone defenses and keep defense spending at five percent of gross domestic product. "We must now give Ukraine everything it needs so that it can gain the upper hand and win," he said in September. Kulberg's pro-Russian competitors, however, are demanding that Latvia stop all aid to Ukraine. Instead, the government should pay more attention to the rising cost of living, especially among the country's Russian-speaking minority.
Polling stations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The first results are expected a few hours after their closure.
This article will continue to be updated.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The United List under Andris Kulbergs will win the parliamentary election and continue in government.
Likely · Within hours
Latvia will keep defense spending at five percent of GDP and expand drone defense.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How high will the United List's exact share of the vote be in the election?
- What concrete steps is Latvia planning to strengthen its drone defense?
- How will the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia vote in the election?
