On Saturday, 3 October, Latvia is holding parliamentary elections. The outcome could keep Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs in power, although political fragmentation may complicate the formation of a new government.
This is reported by Reuters.
Polling stations opened at 8:00 and will remain open until 20:00. The first results are expected within a few hours of voting ending, while the final outcome is likely to become known after midnight.
The election will choose 100 members of the Saeima for a four-year term.
In Latvia and other Baltic states, voters are casting their ballots amid security concerns linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine and incidents of drones entering the region’s airspace. Russia denies accusations that it is preparing an attack on NATO countries.
According to polling, Kulbergs’ centrist "United List" is leading with about 14% support. Second place is held by the pro-Russian "Sovereign Power".
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At the same time, at least two more parties could enter parliament: the populist "Latvia First" and the left-wing "Progressives", which is popular among younger voters.
Kulbergs supports continuing assistance to Ukraine. During the election campaign, he also promised to strengthen Latvia’s capabilities to counter drones and to keep defence spending at 5% of GDP.
His pro-Russian opponents argue for ending aid to Ukraine and call for greater attention to the cost of living, including issues affecting the Russian-speaking minority.
Kulbergs’ ability to form a coalition will depend on his party’s result and on how many political forces clear the 5% threshold required to enter the Saeima.
Among potential partners, Reuters names "Latvia First", led by businessman Ainārs Šlesers.
According to the agency, in recent months he has shifted his rhetoric towards a more critical stance on support for Ukraine, seeking to attract voters with differing views.