About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
The parties that make up Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis's coalition government (see note) took 32 seats in the 2018 elections but no longer held a majority in the 100-member Parliament. The Social Democratic Party "Harmony" (SDPS, a pro-Russia party led by Mr. Nils Ushakovs), remained the largest single party, winning 23 seats. The KPV LV ("Who owns the State?", led by Mr. Aldis Gobzems) and the New Conservative Party (led by former Justice Minister Janis Bordans) won 16 seats each. They ruled out any co-operation with Harmony. During the election campaign, the major parties focused on anti-corruption measures. A record 31 women (31%) were elected, up from 19 in 2014.
On 8 November, President Raimonds Vejonis named Mr. Bordans of the New Conservative Party as Prime Minister. However, Mr. Bordans and the second nominee, Mr. Aldis Gobzems (KPV LV), failed to form a new government. On 23 January 2019, Parliament approved a five-party coalition government proposed by Mr. Krisjanis Karins of the New Unity.
Note:
Prime Minister Kucinskis’s coalition comprised his own party, the Union of Farmers and Greens (ZZS), the National Alliance of "All for Latvia!" - "For Fatherland and Freedom / LNNK" (NA), and the New Unity (VIENOTIBA), which was formerly named Unity. Mr. Kucinskis succeeded Ms. Laimdota Straujuma (Unity) as Prime Minister in 2016