Latvian legislators are set to commence discussions to establish a fresh government post a parliamentary election where Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’s four-party coalition, known for its pro-Ukraine stance, secured 35% of the total votes.
In May, a political crisis erupted due to the mishandling of stray drones believed to be from Ukraine, resulting in the collapse of the existing coalition government. Subsequently, the parliament, also known as Saeima, endorsed the coalition headed by Kulbergs from the United List party, previously in the opposition.
Latvia, in solidarity with neighboring Baltic countries Lithuania and Estonia, staunchly backs Ukraine in its resistance against Russia’s invasion, given its proximity to both Russia and Russia-aligned Belarus.
The election turnout exceeded 51%, with over 1.56 million eligible voters out of the nation’s 1.8 million population casting their ballots to elect 100 members to the single-chamber Saeima for a four-year tenure.
The United List party is anticipated to secure 42 seats in the parliament, necessitating a multi-party coalition to navigate the fragmented political landscape. Parties must garner a minimum of five percent of the vote to secure parliamentary representation.