Latvia’s parliament approved a new coalition government led by centrist Andris Kulbergs after the previous administration collapsed due to disagreements over handling stray drones from Ukraine. The approval came with 66 deputies voting in favor of Kulbergs, who will lead the Baltic nation until parliamentary elections on October 3.
Key Takeaways
Latvia's parliament approved a new coalition government led by centrist Andris Kulbergs after the previous administration collapsed due to disagreements over handling stray drones from Ukraine. The new government will lead until October elections and aims to strengthen security and maintain pro-EU, pro-NATO policies.
- Latvia’s parliament approves 47-year-old centrist Andris Kulbergs as prime minister with a majority of 66 deputies in the 100-seat assembly.
- Former Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned after her coalition partner withdrew support over handling stray drones from Ukraine.
- The new government will focus on reinforcing military and border security, maintaining strong solidarity with Ukraine.
- Latvia is increasing anti-drone defenses along its borders with Russia and Belarus in response to recent drone incursions.
Former Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned mid-May after her coalition partner withdrew support following the resignation of Defence Minister Andris Spruds. Spruds was forced to step down due to disagreements over deploying anti-drone defenses against stray Ukrainian drones suspected to have been knocked off course by Russian jamming, as reported by Al Jazeera. The new government aims to strengthen security and maintain a pro-EU, pro-NATO direction.
The new coalition is expected to enjoy a healthy majority in parliament. Kulbergs emphasized the need for external and economic security during his speech before the vote. He confirmed that outgoing Foreign Minister Baiba Braze would remain in her post and appointed Colonel Raivis Melnis as defense minister, according to Al Jazeera. The new government will focus on reinforcing military and border security.
Latvia is increasing anti-drone defenses along its borders with Russia and Belarus. Modris Kairiss, head of the Latvian Army Autonomous Systems Competence Centre, told Reuters that drone interceptor teams would be deployed over the next two weeks to counter recent incursions. These teams will operate killer drones capable of destroying incoming military drones within a 10km radius.
The new government's priorities include reinforcing Latvia’s borders and maintaining strong solidarity with Ukraine. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks noted that there is broad consensus on foreign policy priorities, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Latvian government will continue to support Ukraine while addressing internal security concerns related to drone incursions.
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