Pro-Europe Latvian PM wins poll dominated by Russia, social worries

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centre-right party, the United List, triumphed in parliamentary elections dominated by Russia's influence. The party secured 42 of the 100 seats in the parliament, a remarkable victory for the former Soviet republic. Kulbergs, a former telecoms and automotive sector manager, expressed surprise at his party's significant win, stating that the people want economic growth and a future for the country's children.

The election campaign was characterized by worries over neighboring Russia, the cost of living, and other social issues. Kulbergs' party, alongside others, must now form a coalition to maintain its pro-European and pro-Ukrainian stance. Security remains a central topic in Latvia's political discourse, as the nation, a member of NATO and the European Union since 2004, considers Russia its primary security threat. The country has ramped up defense spending in response to Russia's actions.

Despite expectations for high military spending and continued aid to Kyiv, the right-wing Sovereign Power party diverged from the majority. It opposed military assistance to Ukraine and further defense spending increases. The party, which had been considered pro-Russian, secured 15 seats, placing it third. Latvia First, a conservative party led by a property magnate often compared to US President Donald Trump, came in second with 17 seats.

Both populist parties gained support from changes in voting patterns among the Russian-speaking minority, which constitutes a third of Latvia's population.