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Latvian PM’s election win boosts chances for pro-Ukraine coalition
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’ United List won the parliamentary election with about 35% of the vote, securing 42 of 100 seats and a decisive lead over the far-right Latvia First party.
- Kulbergs, a pro-Ukraine leader, is positioned to remain in power but will need to form a coalition government, likely with the conservative National Alliance and center-right New Unity parties.
- The Union of Greens and Farmers failed to clear the 5% threshold, simplifying Kulbergs’ coalition options and avoiding reliance on the far-right Latvia First party.
- The election campaign was influenced by issues such as high inflation, the troubled national airline airBaltic, and migration tensions linked to Russia and Belarus.
- Kulbergs became prime minister in May following his predecessor's resignation and recently took a firm stance on EU sanctions against Russian billionaires, reflecting Latvia’s pro-Ukraine position.
