Pro-Ukraine Latvian Prime Minister Kulberg Leads Pre-Election Polls

A recent SKSK/LSM poll places Prime Minister Andris Kulberg’s centrist United List at the top of the race for Latvia’s 100-seat parliament, scheduled for October 3. Kulberg, who took office in May after the previous government fell over Ukrainian drone incidents, leads a coalition with New Unity, National Alliance and the Greens and Farmers’ Union, but the fragmented field suggests no single bloc will command an outright majority.

Voters are focused on security issues and rising living costs in the NATO and EU member that shares a border with Russia and hosts a sizable Russian-speaking minority. The poll shows seven parties could surpass the 5 % threshold needed for representation, while roughly a third of those surveyed are either undecided or intend not to vote, potentially inflating the seat share of parties that do clear the threshold. Parties such as Sovereign Power & Alliance of Young Latvians, Latvia First, Progressives, National Alliance, Greens and Farmers’ Union and New Unity also register notable support, though New Unity risks falling below the cutoff. The final composition of the Saeima will depend on voter turnout and the distribution of votes among the many contenders.