Latvian PM Andris Kulbergs wins election, eyes pro-Ukraine coalition

Key facts

• Andris Kulbergs' United List party won Latvia's parliamentary election with 35.3% of the vote.
• United List secured 41 seats in the 100-member Saeima parliament.
• Latvia First party came second with 13% of the vote and 17 seats.
• Pro-Russian Sovereign Power party ranked third with 11.7% of the vote and 15 seats.
• Kulbergs became prime minister in May, following a government collapse.

Latvia's ruling United List party, led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, won the country's parliamentary election with 35.3% of the vote, exceeding poll predictions and securing a strong position to form a pro-Ukraine coalition. The centrist party earned 41 seats in the 100-member unicameral parliament, according to the Central Election Commission.

Latvians cast their ballots on Oct. 3, with a turnout of 51.8%. Affordability and security concerns, particularly in light of escalating hybrid threats from Russia, were top political issues for the Baltic nation, an EU and NATO member bordering Russia and Belarus.

The election marked a test for Kulbergs, who assumed the prime minister role in May after a political crisis led to a government collapse. His outgoing coalition partners, the conservative National Alliance and the center-right New Unity, both cleared the 5% threshold required to enter parliament, suggesting Kulbergs may be able to form a majority government with them.

The populist Latvia First party came in second with 13% of the vote and 17 seats, while the pro-Russian Sovereign Power party ranked third with 11.7% and 15 seats. Despite an increase in representation for pro-Russian parties, they lack the numbers to significantly influence policy. Latvia has sharply increased defense spending to 5% of GDP since 2022, one of the highest levels in NATO, reflecting its commitment to supporting Ukraine.