Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has emerged as the clear winner of Saturday’s parliamentary election, with partial results putting his United List party well ahead. The outcome strengthens his prospects of remaining in office, although another term still depends on forming a governing coalition.
With 88% of ballots counted, United List had secured 36.6% of the vote, compared with 13.4% for the populist Latvia First party, Reuters reported. Kulbergs ruled out governing with Latvia First, leaving negotiations with other parties as the next step.
A mandate after political upheaval
Kulbergs became prime minister in May after a crisis over the handling of stray military drones brought down the previous government. Parliament subsequently approved a four-party coalition under his leadership.
Saturday’s election gave voters the opportunity to choose all 100 members of the Saeima for a four-year term. Parties must receive at least 5% of the national vote to enter parliament, making the final distribution of seats central to coalition bargaining.
Security and household costs dominate
The campaign centred on national security and living costs in a country bordering Russia and Belarus. Kulbergs campaigned as a firm supporter of Ukraine, while voters also faced questions about economic prospects and pressure on household finances.
Pre-election polling had already placed United List ahead, but Latvia’s fragmented political landscape meant that cooperation between parties was expected to remain necessary. The result now gives Kulbergs a stronger negotiating position, rather than an automatic right to govern alone.
A difficult domestic agenda
Alongside maintaining Latvia’s security commitments, the next administration will face decisions over public spending. Kulbergs warned on election night that the future government would need to make difficult choices, including expenditure cuts, according to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE.
That creates a demanding political balance: protecting national security while addressing the economic concerns that also shaped the campaign.
Coalition talks come next
The immediate focus shifts from the size of United List’s victory to the parliamentary majority it can assemble. Negotiations will determine ministerial responsibilities, spending priorities and the durability of the next government.
For Kulbergs, the election represents a substantial political endorsement. Turning that support into a stable administration is the next test.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 4 October 2026
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has emerged as the clear winner of Saturday’s parliamentary election, with partial results putting his United List party well ahead. The outcome strengthens his prospects of remaining in office, although another term still depends on forming a governing coalition.
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