Latvia PM wins election as voters back Ukraine support despite Russian threats
Andris Kulbergs' centrist United List wins by wider margin than expected.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List won the parliamentary election by a wider margin than expected. The party took 36.5 per cent of votes with 72 per cent counted.
The pro-Ukraine party's victory shows voters chose continued defence spending and support for Ukraine over pro-Russian alternatives. Latvia First, a populist party seeking support from the ethnic Russian minority, came second on 13.0 per cent.
The pro-Russian Sovereign Power party took 10.5 per cent. Kulbergs said he would not form a government with Latvia First.
He will need coalition allies. The 47-year-old came to power in May after the previous government struggled with drone incidents.
He has promised more anti-drone systems for Latvia. He will keep military spending at 5 per cent of gross domestic product, among NATO's highest.
- 36.5 per cent
- United List vote share
- 13.0 per cent
- Latvia First vote share
- 5 per cent of GDP
- Defence spending target
- 47 years old
- Kulbergs age
Why it mattersLatvia's election result shows continued Baltic support for NATO and Ukraine despite Russian hybrid attacks and pressure. The vote strengthens European unity against Kremlin interference.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet. The result reinforces NATO allies' commitment to defence spending and collective security, which shapes global stability and Australia's diplomatic partnerships.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
