Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs Wins Parliamentary Election Amid Security Concerns
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and his centrist United List party secured a victory in the country’s parliamentary election, winning 35.6% of the vote according to an exit poll published by public broadcaster LSM and reported by Euronews. The election, held under the shadow of the ongoing war in Ukraine and mounting regional security concerns, resulted in the lowest voter turnout in the history of the Saeima, with only 51.6% of registered electors casting ballots, eng.lsm.lv reported.
Voter Turnout Drops to Historic Lows Despite High Stakes
Around 804,180 out of 1,557,615 registered voters participated in the 15th Saeima elections, representing a 51.6% turnout rate, according to the Central Election Commission figures cited by eng.lsm.lv. This figure dips below the previous record low set during the 13th Saeima election in 2018, when turnout reached 54.6%. The drop occurred despite intensive pre-election coverage across Latvian media and early voting opportunities that saw more than 11% of the electorate vote prior to Saturday.
Pro-Ukraine United List Leads Partial Results as Coalition Talks Loom
With 88% of ballots counted, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’ pro-Ukraine United List held a strong lead, according to partial results published by Reuters. Speaking at his party headquarters in Riga, Kulbergs expressed surprise at the outcome, stating, It’s remarkably good. I was not expecting such result,
as reported by Euronews and Deutsche Welle. Despite the party’s strong showing, DW reported that Kulbergs’ current governing coalition—which includes New Unity, the National Alliance, and the Union of Greens and Farmers—is expected to emerge weakened as populist alternatives gain ground.
Populist Gains and Security Shape Latvia Policy Debates
The populist Latvia First party doubled its 2022 results, finishing second in exit polls with 11.3% of the vote, according to Euronews and Deutsche Welle. Led by businessman Ainars Slesers, Latvia First and other populist movements attempted to capitalize on public discontent over a sluggish economy, rising living costs, and regional tensions. Reuters noted that Latvia maintains one of the highest defense spending levels in NATO at 5% of gross deployment, a policy championed by Kulbergs alongside enhanced anti-drone capabilities. Meanwhile, Kulbergs explicitly ruled out forming a coalition with Latvia First, stating on Saturday night that he refuses to cooperate with pro-Russian parties, according to Euronews.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Latvian Election
Which party won the Latvian parliamentary election?
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’ centrist, pro-Ukraine United List won the election, taking 35.6% of the vote in public broadcaster LSM exit polls reported by Euronews and Reuters.
What was the voter turnout for the 15th Saeima elections?
Voter turnout dropped to 51.6%, with approximately 804,180 of the 1,557,615 registered voters participating, marking the lowest turnout in a Saeima election according to the Central Election Commission data published by eng.lsm.lv.
How did populist parties perform in the vote?
The populist Latvia First party placed second in exit polls with 11.3% of the vote, nearly doubling its 2022 results by drawing support amid cost-of-living pressures and regional security debates, as detailed by Euronews and Deutsche Welle.