Ikstens calls Kulbergs’ rise a “star hour”

Latvian voters have given Andris Kulbergs of the United List a substantial vote of confidence, political scientist Jānis Ikstens said, according to LSM. He called the election period Kulbergs’ “star hour” in an interview with Latvian Radio.

Ikstens said the United List was nowhere near its current standing six months ago, and that its ratings rose only after Kulbergs became head of government. He attributed the increase more to Kulbergs’ communication style than to his record in office.

“There have been no epoch-making achievements,” Ikstens said, citing the lack of clear solutions on airBaltic, reducing bureaucracy and cutting state spending. Those issues had been discussed during government formation, he said. Voters have given Kulbergs a large advance of trust, which he will now have to earn back, Ikstens added.

Lelde Metla-Rozentāle, a political scientist and lecturer in the political science department at Rīga Stradiņš University, said people would now expect results. The government had lacked time when it was formed, she said, but there would be no such excuse now.

Metla-Rozentāle also cautioned that the United List was not just Kulbergs, but comprised different parties. She named Smiltēns, who has his own ambitions, and Tavars.

Latvia held its 15th parliamentary election on October 3. Voter polls suggest six political forces could enter the new Saeima.