Story perspectives

United List wins record 35.3%, must form coalition

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 2:52 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

United List, led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, won a record 35.3% and 42 seats.
No party secured a majority, so United List must form a coalition.
Voter turnout fell to 51.8%, the lowest in 35 years.
Latvia First earned 13.1% and 17 seats, drawing strong Russian-speaking support.
German Eurofighter jets patrolled Latvian airspace at Riga’s request during the election.

History

Historical Context

When Latvia joined the European Union on 1 May 2004, the nation secured EU funding and adopted Western political standards. EU integration spurred the 2004 parliamentary election, where the New Unity party captured 20.5% of votes and 30 seats, a record for a newcomer. Similarly, the 2024 United List’s 35.3% vote and 42 seats, alongside Latvia First’s 13.1% Russian-speaking support, echo the fragmented post-EU coalition dynamics. The pattern suggests low 51.8% turnout and foreign air patrols, like German Eurofighter missions over Riga, will pressure governments to balance NATO commitments with cohesion.

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Story summary

United List, led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, won a record 35.3% and 42 seats.
No party secured a majority, so United List must form a coalition.
Voter turnout fell to 51.8%, the lowest in 35 years.
Latvia First earned 13.1% and 17 seats, drawing strong Russian-speaking support.
German Eurofighter jets patrolled Latvian airspace at Riga’s request during the election.

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