# Latvia's PM Secures Election Win Amid Populist Surge

> Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs leads pro-Ukraine coalition after United List wins 35.3% of votes in parliamentary election.
- Title: Latvia's PM Secures Election Win Amid Populist Surge · Dw
- Summary: Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs leads pro-Ukraine coalition after United List wins 35.3% of votes in parliamentary election. Latvia's centrist…
- Keywords: latvia, andris kulbergs, united list, parliamentary election, pro-ukraine coalition, populist gains, national security, economic strain, news, world, politics, Latvia's
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/latvia-ruling-party-leads-in-exit-polls-amid-populist-gains/a-79527253?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: latvia, andris kulbergs, united list, parliamentary election, pro-ukraine coalition, populist gains, national security, economic strain, news, world, politics
## Election Results
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List secured 35.3% of votes in parliamentary election with 42 seats.
## Pro-Ukraine Coalition
Kulbergs aims to form pro-Ukraine coalition with either National Alliance or Progressives to secure parliamentary majority.
## Populist Surge
Latvia First party gained 11.3% of votes, nearly double 2022 share, by courting ethnic Russian minority.
## Security Concerns
Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompts Latvia to prioritize defense spending at 5% of GDP amid national security threats.
## Economic Strain
Latvia faces high prices, low wages, sluggish economy, strained health system, and emigration challenges.
## Military Response
Four German Eurofighter jets deployed to protect Latvian airspace during election amid Russian hybrid threats.
## Key takeaway

Latvia's centrist government retains power with 35.3% of votes as populist parties gain ground amid security concerns and economic strain.