Preliminary results show Andris Kulbergs' pro‑European United List winning 35.4% of the vote and a projected 42 of 100 seats in the Saeima. The margin puts United List more than 20 percentage points ahead of the far‑right Latvia First but still short of a majority, so coalition negotiations are required. Key campaign issues included inflation, airBaltic's troubles, and migration linked to Russia and Belarus.
Latvia Election: Pro‑European United List Wins Big — Kulbergs Now Faces Coalition Talks
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' ruling party easily won Saturday's parliamentary election. File Photo by Kaisa Siren/EPA
Preliminary results from Latvia's parliamentary election indicate a decisive victory for Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' pro‑European United List.
United List won 35.4% of the vote and is projected to take 42 of the Saeima's 100 seats, giving it a commanding lead of more than 20 percentage points over the far‑right Latvia First party, officials said Sunday.
Observers interpreted the outcome as continued public support for European integration and backing for Ukraine. Despite the strong showing, United List falls short of an outright majority, meaning Kulbergs must negotiate with other parties to form a stable coalition government.
What Leaders Are Saying
Kulbergs, who became prime minister in May, called the result "above expectations" and consistent with exit polls. "That means people truly want change," he said, adding voters want "economic growth" and "a future for Latvia's children."
Latvia First is led by veteran politician Ainārs Šlesers, a high‑profile opponent of restrictive tariffs on Russia. The conservative National Alliance and the centre‑right New United, both partners in Kulbergs' outgoing coalition, cleared the 5% threshold and are set to return to the Saeima.
Election Issues
Key issues in the campaign included persistently high inflation, uncertainty surrounding the national carrier airBaltic, and migration flows that Latvian officials say were orchestrated by Russia and Belarus. The election followed the resignation of Kulbergs' predecessor, Evika Silina, who stepped down after stray drone strikes that were reported to have come from Ukraine.
These are preliminary results and final tallies may shift as authorities complete counting and validate outcomes. Coalition talks are expected to begin in the coming days as parties explore possible alliances and policy agreements.
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