Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is positioned to remain in office after his centrist United List won the country’s parliamentary election by a wide margin.

With 97% of ballots counted Sunday, Reuters reported that United List had 35.3% of the vote and 42 seats in the 100-seat parliament. It was the largest Latvian election victory since the country regained independence in 1991.

A coalition is still required

United List fell short of a majority and must secure a coalition partner. Reuters reported that either the nationalist National Alliance or the liberal Progressives could provide enough seats to form a government.

Kulbergs, a businessman and former rally driver who became prime minister in May, campaigned on cutting bureaucracy, improving government performance and strengthening national security.

Ukraine and Russia shaped the vote

Kulbergs pledged continued support for Ukraine and said economic ties with Russia create vulnerabilities. He also promised to maintain defence spending at 5% of gross domestic product and expand Latvia’s anti-drone capabilities.

Latvia is a member of NATO and the European Union and borders Russia and Belarus. The populist Latvia First party finished second with 13.1%, while the pro-Russian Sovereign Power party placed third with 11.7%, according to the partial results cited by Reuters.

Turnout was 51.8%, down from 59.4% in the 2022 election. Coalition negotiations will determine the final shape of the government.

Source: Reuters, October 4.

Lead image: flag of Latvia from Wikimedia Commons; not a photograph of the election.