RIGA — Latvia’s parliament on Thursday approved a new centre-right government, elevating opposition lawmaker Andris Kulbergs to the prime minister’s post just over four months before scheduled general elections. The Saeima voted 66 in favor out of 96 cast to back a four-party coalition formed by Kulbergs’ United List, former prime minister Evika Silina’s New Unity, the National Alliance and the Greens and Farmers’ Union.
The incoming cabinet signaled continuity on foreign policy, pledging to maintain strong support for Ukraine while prioritizing national security and measures to “weaken and isolate Russia.” Kulbergs said after the vote that Latvia’s stance on the conflict would not change and urged greater EU backing for defence on the eastern front, calling it his government’s top priority.
Security, border protection, the economy and energy were listed among the administration’s immediate concerns. Kulbergs acknowledged that public judgment would come quickly, pointing to the Oct. 3 general election as the ultimate test of the new government’s performance. The coalition also emphasized ensuring the secure conduct of the upcoming vote.
Baiba Braze remains foreign minister in the reshuffled cabinet, with Maris Kucinskis appointed finance minister and Colonel Raivis Melnis taking over defence. The left-leaning Progressives, part of the previous coalition under Silina, were excluded from the new lineup, shifting the government further to the right.
The change in government follows a string of drone incidents that heightened security fears across the Baltic region. Armed Ukrainian drones entering Baltic airspace and the May 7 strike on an empty oil tank in Latvia prompted criticism of defence preparations and led Silina to dismiss her defence minister, triggering her coalition’s collapse. The incursions have intensified tensions with Moscow: Baltic states accuse Russia of electronically diverting drones, while the Kremlin alleges they have been used from Baltic territory, a claim Riga denies.