Parliamentary elections begin in Latvia with 14 parties taking part — Deutsche Welle
Parliamentary elections began in Latvia on Saturday: around 1.5 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Fourteen parties are competing for 100 seats in the Saeima under a proportional system, Deutsche Welle reports.
Cost of living and security
The rising cost of living and national security issues have become the main topics of the campaign. Latvia borders the Russian Federation, an aggressor state, and Belarus. Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine is viewed in the country as a direct security threat.
Latvia is a member of the European Union and NATO, while Riga is among Kyiv's closest partners and supporters. The country has legally committed to allocating at least 5% of GDP to defence, which, according to the publication, limits opportunities for other spending.
Among the problems cited by the country's residents are high prices, low wages, a sluggish economy, pressure on the healthcare system, emigration, and an ageing population.
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Balance of power ahead of the vote
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has led the government since May, when the previous cabinet collapsed over a dispute concerning Ukrainian drones. His centre-right conservative alliance, United List, was leading in polls ahead of the vote, but the coalition is expected to lose some ground due to the strengthening of populist forces.
The Sovereign Power/Young Latvians alliance and the Latvia First party sought to capitalize on public discontent by advocating a less tough approach toward Moscow and criticizing a complete economic separation from Russia. At the same time, neither party proposes substantially changing Latvia's foreign policy course toward the EU and NATO.
At Riga's request, four German Eurofighter fighter jets were deployed to protect the country's airspace during the elections. Partial results are expected on Saturday evening, with preliminary official results due on Sunday. Lengthy and complex coalition negotiations may begin after the votes are counted.
