Latvian Parliament Approves New Center-Right Government After Drone Incidents Toppled Coalition

Latvia's parliament has approved a new center-right government led by Andris Kulbergs, following a period of political instability triggered by drone incursions. The new coalition, comprising the United List, New Unity, National Alliance, and the Green and Farmers Union, secured the support of 66 out of 96 lawmakers.

This new government faces the immediate challenge of addressing national security concerns, particularly in light of recent drone incidents that have heightened tensions between Moscow and the Baltic states. Latvia, along with its Baltic neighbors, accuses Russia of electronically rerouting drones, while the Kremlin claims the Baltic nations permit Ukrainian drone launches from their territory. The coalition has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine and implement measures aimed at weakening and isolating Russia.

The formation of the new government marks a shift to the right, as the Progressive Party, part of the previous coalition, did not join the new cabinet. The previous government collapsed after then-Prime Minister Evika Silina dismissed the defense minister on May 7 due to inadequate military defense measures, following a Ukrainian drone hitting an empty oil storage tank in Latvia. This political maneuvering comes ahead of the October elections.