Centre-right party wins the parliamentary elections in Latvia

The centre-right party, the United List, of Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, has won the parliamentary elections in Latvia, according to preliminary results.

With over 99.9 percent of the votes counted, the United List leads with 35.4 percent of the vote, securing 42 of the 100 seats in parliament. According to local media, this is the highest result achieved by a party in Latvia’s history since the restoration of independence.

The result signals the continuation of the country’s pro-European and pro-Ukrainian orientation. Prime Minister Kulbergs, who took office in May, described the result as higher than expectations and said it shows that citizens want change, economic growth and a better future for Latvia’s children.

However, the governing coalition is expected to undergo changes, as one of its partners appears set to lose representation in parliament, while the coalition’s other parties have received weaker results than expected.

At the same time, populist parties have recorded considerable results, also supported by the Russian-speaking electorate. The election campaign was dominated by concerns about neighbouring Russia and the rising cost of living.