Latvian PM’s election win boosts chances for pro-Ukraine coalition

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1. 2h ago

   Latvian PM Wins Election, Boosting Pro-Ukraine Coalition

   Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and his centrist United List party have won the country's parliamentary election by a wide margin, strengthening prospects for forming a pro-Ukraine governing coalition. The vote took place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, recent drone incursions, and a perceived threat from Russia. The centrist party finished more than 20 percentage points ahead of the far-right Latvia First party, which ruling out coalition talks with. Meanwhile, separate pro-Ukraine governing coalition partners gathered 35% of the vote according to reports, while populists also registered gains.

   Why it matters

   Latvia has held its 11th parliamentary election since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, with roughly 1.5 million eligible voters casting ballots. Concerns over the rising cost of living and regional security dominated the electorate's focus amid ongoing military conflict across the border. Russian-speaking Latvians who support Ukraine faced the election without an obvious political home, while populist and far-right factions made notable gains alongside the ruling party's victory.

   What is confirmed

   • Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and his party, the United List, won the parliamentary election.
   • The United List finished more than 20 percentage points ahead of the far-right Latvia First party.
   • Some 1.5 million people were eligible to vote in Latvia's 11th parliamentary election since independence in 1991.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The centrist United List secured 36.6% of the vote.

   What to watch next

   • Formal coalition negotiations between Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and potential political partners
   • Final certified vote tallies from the parliamentary election
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. Reuters — Latvians vote in election in shadow of drone incursions and war in Ukraine
   2. Meduza — Russian-speaking Latvians who back Ukraine and value their language are heading into an election without an obvious political home
   3. politico.eu — Latvian PM faces bittersweet victory in election backdropped by Russia
   4. Al Jazeera — Polls open in Latvia against backdrop of perceived Russia threat
   5. Euronews.com — Polls open in Latvia's parliamentary election
   6. www.euronews.com — Latvians head to the polls amid concerns over rising cost of living and Russia
   7. dw.com — Latvia: Ruling party leads in exit polls amid populist gains
   8. LSM — Exit poll: Kulbergs and United List on track to be top dogs in Latvian election / Article
   9. Reuters — Latvian PM on track to lead pro-Ukraine coalition after election win
   10. dw.com — Latvia election: Pro-Ukraine PM Kulbergs set to retain power after historic victory for his party
   11. politico.eu — Latvian PM’s election win boosts chances for pro-Ukraine coalition
   12. Le Monde.fr — Latvian PM Kulbergs' party achieves a historic victory, pushing populists to the margins
   confidence 95%