Latvia holds parliamentary election amid security concerns and cost-of-living pressures

Latvia's parliamentary election resulted in a decisive victory for Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' pro-European, pro-Ukrainian, and pro-NATO United List party, securing a historic 35.3%-36.6% of the vote and a strong mandate for coalition formation. This outcome reinforces Latvia's Western alignment and pro-Ukraine stance, while significantly diminishing the influence of populist and pro-Russian parties at the national level. However, pro-Kremlin forces reportedly gained support in Russian-speaking regions, highlighting persistent internal ethnic divisions.