Latvia holds election as concerns over Russia, inflation dominate
Por Agence France-Presse — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Ukraine war World Europe Latvia holds election as concerns over Russia, inflation dominate
The Nato member views Russia as its main security threat and has significantly increased defence spending amid the Ukraine war
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Agence France-Presse Published: 3:46pm, 3 Oct 2026 Latvia will vote on Saturday in an election shaped by concerns over neighbouring Russia and the cost of living, but the result is not expected to steer the country off its pro-European and pro-Ukrainian course.
The centre-right United List party of incumbent Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is at the head of the race, with over 14 per cent of the vote, according to the SKDS institute.
His coalition, however, is expected to emerge weakened as populist parties gain ground by focusing on economic concerns in the least affluent of the three Baltic states.
The current governing coalition is made up of United List, New Unity, the Union of Greens and Farmers and the National Alliance. Polls suggest the bloc is unlikely to retain power in its current form after the vote.
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