A good 1.5 million voters in the Baltic EU and NATO country are called upon to vote on the 100 seats in the Saeima parliament in Riga. Political scientist Marcis Krastins assumes that the Russian invasion of Ukraine will help Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins to appeal to voters. At such times, the government’s popularity increases. Karins will “probably” win – it depends on how many smaller parties that support the head of government make the leap over the five percent hurdle into parliament. Karins is currently leading a four-party alliance. According to polls, the populists, the conservatives and the social democratic party Harmonie have to adjust to losses.
The central election campaign issues in Latvia, with around 1.8 million inhabitants, were the war in Ukraine, the high cost of living and the desire for energy independence from Russia. “Voters are looking for a capable leader who is able to solve these problems,” added Krastins.
Fear of Russian conquest
Similar to Lithuania, Estonia and Poland, many people in Latvia fear that their country could also be attacked despite membership in the EU and NATO in view of the Russian attack on Ukraine. The incumbent government has supported the Ukrainian government, increased defense spending and promoted energy security.
Election posters adorn the backs of buses in Riga
Observers assume that the new parliament will be fragmented given the possible entry of several small parties. In polls, Karins’ party New Unit was at the top, a poll saw her with 13.3 percent of the vote. The social-democratic harmony, which still managed 20 percent in the 2018 elections, only achieved 5.1 percent in a recent poll and should therefore fear for entry into parliament. Its core voters belong to the strong Russian-speaking minority, which makes up about 30 percent of the population.
The Social Democrats have won elections over the past decade but have never found enough partners to govern. Most recently, the pro-Russian party was confronted with corruption scandals. Harmonie had condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. However, the party remained reluctant to accuse Moscow’s troops of human rights violations.
kle/wa (afp, dpa)
