From EUobserver · · 1m
Latvian PM Holds Power Amid Ukraine War
Latvia's prime minister keeps power as Russia-Ukraine war reshapes elections.
In brief
Latvia's prime minister keeps power as Russia-Ukraine war reshapes elections. Latvia's prime minister Andris Kulbergs retained power with 35.8% of the vote despite economic concerns and Russia's influence. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Election Impact
Russia might not have directly interfered in Latvia’s election, but the vote showed how the Ukraine war was distorting European democracy.
VDD Intelligence
Latvia’s VDD intelligence service did not detect any of Russia’s classic interference tactics in the run-up to Saturday’s (3 October) vote.
Prime Minister Retains Power
Centre-right prime minister Andris Kulbergs retained power with 35.8 percent of the vote, even if coalition-building might take a while.
Voter Concerns
Voters’ concerns included the cost of living and failing healthcare, in what also sounded normal.
Russia's Fundamental Influence
But despite the ordinary appearances, Russia’s war in Ukraine still influenced the election in fundamental ways, in a strange new normal for Europe that most of us had hardly imagined just five years ago.
The takeaway
Latvia's prime minister Andris Kulbergs retained power with 35.8% of the vote despite economic concerns and Russia's influence.
