Latvia regains stability with the election of pragmatic Kulbergs
The new government in Riga, composed of four parties, prioritizes national security after the constant incursion of drones into Latvian airspace
The election of Andris Kulbergs as the new prime minister of Latvia, in an extraordinary session of Parliament just two weeks after the resignation of his predecessor, Evika Siliņa, aims to end the political crisis caused by war tensions. Siliņa resigned due to her difficulties in managing the constant incursion of drones into Latvian airspace, and there is broad consensus in Riga to seize the situation to reinforce security.
Immediately before the vote in the Saeima, Germany and the Netherlands announced that they will establish a joint tactical headquarters this year to command forces and help deter Russia, located in the Baltic states. The new 1GNC, capable of coordinating up to 50,000 soldiers, "will assume a command role on NATO's eastern flank, especially in the Estonian-Latvian region," according to a statement from the German Defense Ministry, which explains that the deployment "strengthens the unity" of the Alliance.
Kulbergs has formed a broad four-party cabinet that combines institutional continuity with a shift toward an agenda of reinforced security, fiscal discipline, and a narrative of stability at a time when Russia intensifies its hybrid pressure on the Baltic states. The coalition, formed by the United List (AS), New Unity (JV), National Union (NA), and the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), has at least 66 votes, a comfortable parliamentary majority.
A stronger social policy
According to the coalition agreement, Kulbergs' party takes over Finance, Justice and Intelligent Administration, and Regional Development, three key portfolios for budget management and state modernization. JV retains Foreign Affairs and Health, bringing figures of continuity such as Baiba Braže and Hosam Abu Meri. NA controls Education and Science, Interior, Culture, and Climate and Energy, while ZZS keeps Economy and Welfare and regains Agriculture.
Watch now the approval of the new government in the Saeima https://t.co/RW7hVzA71U
— Andris Kulbergs (United List) 🇺🇦🇱🇻 (@AndrisKulbergs) May 28, 2026
The new cabinet's policy statement places security as an absolute priority, with defense spending at 5% of GDP, border reinforcement, expansion of air protection, and a boost to the local military industry. It also commits to supporting Ukraine, tightening migration controls, moving toward a balanced budget, and strengthening social policy through a basic pension and increased health funding.
This emphasis on security coincides with a moment of maximum regional tension. NATO is reconfiguring its command structure to ensure, in the event of conflict, rapid deployment in Latvia and Estonia, in response to growing Russian aggressiveness, manifested in drone incursions, explicit threats, and legal pressures regarding the "protection of Russian speakers" in the Baltic states.
Kulbergs stands out as a manager more technical than ideological, capable of negotiating under pressure and keeping parties with different sensibilities cohesive.
In this context, Kulbergs' government is born with the explicit mission of shielding the country. The signing of a drone cooperation agreement between Latvia and the Netherlands, announced on May 27, will allow advanced training and testing of unmanned systems at the Sēlija field, with Ukrainian participation.
Kulbergs himself arrives at the office at a time of personal and political exposure. Although not a figure with a long national trajectory, his profile has consolidated as a pragmatic manager, more technical than ideological, capable of negotiating under pressure and keeping parties with different sensibilities cohesive.
Hard line
His party, United List, positions itself in the centrist-regionalist space, with an emphasis on administrative efficiency and territorial development. Its government program and public statements place it on the hard line of Latvian politics: firm support for Ukraine, reinforcement of NATO, and outright rejection of any Russian narrative about "Russophobia" or "protection of compatriots." He has insisted that he will not offer "grandiose promises," but rather "clear language" and measurable results. His style, more sober than charismatic, contrasts with the political tension of recent months.
More than a political replacement, the new government aims to regain the country's political stability through a broad base of support and strategic coincidence around national security. The question is whether this cohesion will withstand budget tensions, educational and energy reforms, and electoral pressure ahead of the fall elections. The goal is for Latvia not to be a weak link on NATO's eastern flank.
