Latvian legislators set to commence talks on forming a new government post a recent parliamentary election where Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’s four-party coalition, known for its pro-Ukraine stance, secured 35 percent of the votes. A political crisis in May, triggered by issues related to stray drones possibly from Ukraine, resulted in the collapse of the previous coalition. Subsequently, Kulbergs, representing the centrist United List party, assumed leadership with parliamentary approval.

In solidarity with Ukraine against Russian incursion, Latvia, alongside Baltic counterparts Lithuania and Estonia, stands firm. Geopolitically positioned near Russia and Belarus, Latvia finds itself in a critical strategic position. The election, witnessing over 51 percent voter turnout, saw more than 1.56 million eligible voters participating to elect the 100 members of the Saeima for a term of four years.

The United List party is projected to secure 42 parliamentary seats, necessitating a multi-party coalition to navigate the intricate political landscape. Political parties must secure a minimum of five percent of the vote to secure parliamentary representation. Saturday’s election comes amid escalating concerns over potential Russian threats on NATO’s eastern frontier.