Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List finished more than 20 points ahead of Latvia First, with coalition talks still required.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List won Latvia's parliamentary election by a wide margin, Politico reported on Sunday from near-complete returns. The center-right list took about 35 percent, more than 20 points ahead of far-right Latvia First, led by Ainars Slesers.
Preliminary results put United List on course for 42 of 100 seats, Bloomberg reported, citing the central election commission with more than 95 percent counted. Bloomberg described that as the strongest single-party seat total since Latvia regained independence in 1991.
Kulbergs, 47, became prime minister in May after the previous government fell over its handling of a drone incursion. He still needs partners for a majority. Politico said outgoing coalition partners National Alliance and New Unity cleared the 5 percent threshold and, with United List, appear able to form a majority without the Union of Greens and Farmers, which fell short.
Latvia First, which opposes restrictive tariffs on Russia, finished second. Bloomberg put Latvia First at 13.1 percent. The result strengthens a government that has backed Ukraine, but cabinet posts are not yet settled.
Kulbergs told reporters that voters wanted change, direct communication and the economy treated as the top priority, Bloomberg reported. Formal coalition talks had not produced a new cabinet agreement in Sunday's reports.
People Sentiments Positive
- Kulbergs said people want change, direct communication and the economy as the top priority, Bloomberg reported.