Polls open in Latvia against backdrop of perceived Russia threat

Polls opened across Latvia on Saturday for the country's 11th parliamentary election since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The voting, which concluded by 5:00 PM local time, coincided with growing concerns about perceived security threats from Russia and a national cost-of-living crisis. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, leader of the right-wing United List party, faces his first electoral test after taking office in May, succeeding a predecessor who resigned amid controversy over Ukrainian drone incursions.

Kulbergs' party currently holds around 20% of the vote, but a reduction in coalition allies suggests the new government formation could be intricate. Latvia's fragmented political landscape often results in coalitions, with only seven of the 14 electoral lists expected to secure a seat in parliament, with the threshold being 5% of the vote.

The main parties support Ukraine, but the Sovereign Power party, which advocates for Ukraine's success but believes aid should primarily benefit Latvia, is poised to be the second-largest party, garnering over 9% of the vote. Other parties are unlikely to cooperate with Sovereign Power. Latvia's economy is struggling, with rising living costs, low wages, healthcare challenges, and population decline dominating the election discourse.

The country, being the poorest among the Baltic states, has significantly boosted its defense expenditure, allocating nearly 5% of GDP to defense following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ethnic Russians, who constitute about a quarter of Latvia's population, typically vote based on economic and social factors rather than identity.