Experts see three-party coalition as likeliest after Latvia election

Latvia’s preliminary parliamentary election results point to voters seeking change but not a radical shift, political scientists told public broadcaster LSM. They said a three-party coalition involving the United List, the National Alliance and New Unity is the likeliest outcome.

The United List and the National Alliance could theoretically form a government on their own, but political scientist Juris Rozenvalds said their roughly 52 seats would leave them with a narrow and risky majority. Political scientist Lelde Metla-Rozentāle said New Unity should be measured in seeking a place in government.

A coalition that also included the Progressives, who could win nine seats, would be more stable, Rozenvalds said. However, he noted the traditional lack of rapport between the Progressives and the National Alliance.

Rozenvalds said voters wanted some changes in how the country is governed, but not radical ones. The United List, which recorded its strongest result in parliamentary elections, is now in a position to set terms, experts said.

Rozenvalds congratulated the party on its historic result but said it would bear full responsibility for the country over the next four years. He also questioned whether voters had backed the United List’s ideas or the appeal of its leader, Andris Kulbergs.

Tags: Latvia, elections, coalition