Pro-European United List leads Latvian election as populists gain ground
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List has won the parliamentary election, maintaining a pro-EU line despite populist gains.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’ center-right United List alliance has secured a clear victory in the country’s parliamentary election, according to preliminary results and exit polls. The party earned around 35.6 percent of the vote, cementing a mandate to maintain Latvia’s pro-European Union and pro-Ukraine foreign policy while increasing national defense expenditure.
Despite the lead, forming a government will present challenges. Pre-election coalition partners experienced losses, forcing Kulbergs to seek new political partners to establish a majority. Campaigning was heavily influenced by security concerns regarding neighboring Russia, as well as voter dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living, which fueled significant gains for populist parties.
Speaking as initial results emerged, Kulbergs acknowledged the strong performance for his alliance, stating that "it is higher than expected" as official counting continues.
Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, ORF, RTBF Info, Tagesschau
Sources
- ORF — Exit-Polls: Lettlands Regierungspartei vor Wahlsieg
- Tagesschau — Wahl in Lettland: Partei von Ministerpräsident laut Prognose in Führung
- Le Figaro — Lettonie : la majorité pro-européenne en tête des élections législatives, d’après les premières estimations
- RTBF Info — Lettonie : la majorité pro-européenne en tête des législatives selon des résultats provisoires
- Le Monde — En Lettonie, le parti pro-européen au pouvoir en tête d’élections législatives marquées par la progression des populistes
Earlier coverage
- Oct 4, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCLatvia's pro-European ruling party leads parliamentary election exit polls