The "United List" party led by Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has achieved a record-breaking result in the parliamentary elections. Following the tabulation of over 95% of the ballots, the political force is projected to secure 42 out of 100 seats in the Latvian parliament, marking the highest result for a single party since the restoration of independence in 1991.
The Political Path of Andris Kulbergs
For 47-year-old Kulbergs, the elections served as a crucial test. He assumed office only in May following the collapse of the previous government amid a political crisis triggered by criticism over the authorities' response to a drone intrusion. As a relatively new figure in Latvian politics, Kulbergs focused on direct communication with citizens via social media and maintained a tough stance in political debates.
Security Context and Support for Ukraine
The new government will be formed amid rising security risks in the region. Bordering Russia and Belarus, Latvia is systematically strengthening its defenses and plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. As a steadfast ally of Ukraine, Latvia securely stores approximately 20% of the Ukrainian government's data on its servers and is expected to maintain its pro-Ukrainian course.
Coalition Prospects and Opposition
The victory provides Kulbergs with a strong position in upcoming coalition negotiations. Alongside former partners «New Unity» and the «National Alliance», the prime minister could potentially secure about 60 deputies. Meanwhile, the «Union of Greens and Farmers» failed to cross the threshold, and «Latvia First» finished second with 13.1% of the vote.
