Pro-Europe Latvian PM wins poll dominated by Russia, social worries
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centre-right party won a significant victory in the parliamentary election, securing a mandate to continue pro-European and pro-Ukrainian policies. The campaign was heavily influenced by security concerns regarding Russia and domestic economic pressures.
Why it matters
The election result reinforces Latvia's commitment to NATO and EU security frameworks amidst regional geopolitical instability.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centre-right party emerged as the victor on Sunday from Latvia's parliamentary election, and he will now set about forming a coalition to maintain his pro-European and pro-Ukrainian course.
Populist parties, boosted by support from Latvia's Russian-speaking minority, also had a good night after an election campaign dominated by fears over neighbouring Russia, the cost of living and other social issues.
Kulbergs' United List party won 42 seats in the 100-seat parliament -- an unprecedented result in the former Soviet republic's post-independence history.
After exit polls hinted at the magnitude of his party's victory, Kulbergs said it was a wider margin than he had expected.
"That means people truly want change," he said, which he said meant "economic growth" and a future for the country's children.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Latvia exit polls put PM's pro-Ukraine party ahead but coalition partners stumble
Latvia’s governing party wins parliamentary election with wide margin
Pro-Ukraine governing coalition wins 35% in Latvian election
Latvian PM faces bittersweet victory in election backdropped by Russia
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in