Latvia Election 2026: Pro-EU Kulbergs Wins Decisively

Latvia's pro-European Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs won the 3 October 2026 parliamentary election by a wider margin than expected, with his center-right United List (AS) taking about 35.8% of the vote and an estimated 42 seats in the 100-member Saeima, according to preliminary results reported by NOS. The result gives the Baltic nation's pro-Western leadership a strengthened mandate at a time of heightened Russian pressure.

"I did not expect this," Kulbergs said in a first reaction. He confirmed he wants to remain prime minister but immediately ruled out governing with either of the two pro-Russian parties that finished second and third.

Latvia Election Results: A Clear Pro-EU Mandate

With 88% of precincts counted, the United List led with 36.5%, ahead of the pro-Russian Latvia First (LPV) on about 13% and the right-wing Sovereign Power/Alliance of Young Latvians (SV–AJ) on 11.6%. Final figures from the Central Election Commission placed the United List at 35.77% and 42 seats.

What Happened in May 2026?

Kulbergs became prime minister on 28 May 2026 after the government of Evika Siliņa resigned. The trigger was a series of Russian drone incursions into Latvian airspace that exposed gaps in the country's air defense. President Edgars Rinkēvičs asked Kulbergs to form a caretaker coalition of the United List, New Unity, National Alliance, and Union of Greens and Farmers, and he was confirmed with 66 votes in the Saeima.

Why Russia Dominated the Campaign

The threat from neighboring Russia was the central election issue. Kulbergs pushed for better drone defense and pledged to keep Latvia's defense spending at 5% of GDP, one of the highest levels among NATO allies. The Russian drone incursions over Baltic airspace that brought him to office remained a key campaign talking point.

By contrast, parties courting Latvia's Russian-speaking minority downplayed the Moscow threat, argued the money would be better spent on social services, and called for scrapping financial support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

What Is the Coalition Outlook After the Vote?

No single party won a majority, so coalition talks will determine the next government. Kulbergs' likely partners include the National Alliance and New Unity, both center-right and pro-NATO. The pro-Russian Latvia First party, led by right-wing veteran Ainārs Šlesers, has signaled openness to talks, but Kulbergs has repeatedly rejected cooperation with pro-Russian forces because of distrust over their ties.

Impact: A Stronger Pro-Western Baltic Voice

The outcome is likely to be welcomed in Brussels and at NATO headquarters. A stable, pro-European government in Riga reinforces the Baltic region's hard line on Moscow and keeps Latvia aligned with EU sanctions on Russia and continued military aid to Ukraine. Kulbergs' 5% defense spending pledge also strengthens NATO air defense in the Baltic region at a time of rising drone warfare.

FAQ: Latvia Election 2026 Explained

Who won the Latvia election in 2026?

Pro-European Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and his United List party won decisively with about 35.8% of the vote and 42 seats.

What percentage did Kulbergs receive?

Kulbergs' United List received 36.5% with 88% of votes counted, later settling at 35.77% in final results.

Will Kulbergs form a coalition with pro-Russian parties?

No. Kulbergs ruled out cooperation with Latvia First and Sovereign Power/Young Latvians, both seen as pro-Russian.

Why did the previous Latvian government collapse?

The coalition collapsed in May 2026 after repeated Russian drone incursions into Latvian airspace raised security tensions.

What is Latvia's defense spending target?

Kulbergs pledged to keep defense spending at 5% of GDP, among the highest in NATO.