Latvia coalition government approved as Andris Kulbergs becomes prime minister until October vote

Latvia’s parliament has approved a new coalition government after a political crisis. The change followed disputes over drones thought to be from Ukraine. The new cabinet will govern the European Union and NATO member until elections. Lawmakers backed the team on Thursday, after the previous administration lost its majority.

Representative image

The Saeima approved a four-party coalition led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. Kulbergs belongs to the centrist United List party, which had been in opposition. The LETA news agency reported the cabinet passed by 66 votes to 25. The coalition also includes the New Unity party of former Prime Minister Evika Silina.

Latvia coalition government approved after drone incidents

Kulbergs’ government is set to run Latvia, a country of more than 1.8 million people. It will stay in office until a parliamentary election due in early October. In the new administration, Baiba Braže continues as foreign minister. The new coalition forms after months of pressure on the earlier three-party alliance.

Evika Silina resigned in mid-May when a coalition partner pulled support. That shift left the government without enough votes in parliament. Silina also faced rising criticism over security incidents. The resignation opened talks that later brought the United List into a new governing alliance.

Latvia coalition government shift follows Silina resignation

Silina stepped down after Defence Minister Andris Spruds was forced to resign. Spruds is a member of the Progressives Party. The dispute focused on the government response to several stray drones. The drones were suspected to be from Ukraine and crossed into Latvian territory.

Silina said at the time Spruds had lost her trust and that of the public. Even before that, the coalition had struggled to stay united. Disagreements built up for months across several topics. The drone incidents became the key trigger that broke the earlier governing arrangement.

Latvia coalition government faces scrutiny over border security

In recent weeks, several Ukrainian drones heading for Russia strayed off course. They entered the territories of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Critics said the events exposed gaps in Latvia’s readiness for military risks. Latvia shares borders with Russia and with Moscow-allied Belarus.

With the new vote, parliament has put Latvia back under a working majority. Kulbergs now leads a broader coalition that includes parties from the prior government. The administration is expected to manage security concerns and routine governance. It will remain in place until voters choose a new parliament in early October.

With inputs from PTI