Polls open in Latvia against backdrop of perceived Russia threat

Latvia is not expected to shift its pro-Europe and pro-Ukraine trajectory, but coalition negotiations could be complex.Published On 3 Oct 20263 Oct 2026Polls have opened in Latvia for an election taking place against the backdrop of perceived security threats from Russia and a nationwide cost-of-living squeeze.Saturday’s vote is the first electoral test for Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs after coming to power in May this year when his predecessor resigned due to a backlash from stray drone incursions from Ukraine.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3NATO jets scramble as Russian missile detonates in Polandlist 2 of 3Russia says hit Ukrainian railway and port facilities in new strikeslist 3 of 3Estonia accuses Russia of arson attack on defence firm supplying Ukraineend of listKulbergs, whose right-wing United List party is currently polling at about 20 percent, is expected to hold onto his position, but the decline of two allies in his current coalition means he is set for a complicated negotiation over the makeup of any future government.Polls opened at 05:00 GMT and will close at 17:00 GMT. The results are not expected to change Latvia’s pro-European and pro-Ukrainian cou...