Latvia's parliament approves new government, first collapsed after attack by Ukrainian fears

centre-right opposition MP Andris Kulbergs was appointed prime minister in office before the October parliamentary elections.

Political change was triggered by the collapse of the previous ruling coalition, which was caused by recent violations of the country's airspace by Ukrainian fears.

In the current vote in Saeima, the new four-party centre-right coalition received the backing of 66 out of the 96 MPs who voted.

The government consists of Andris Kulbergs' United List, the outgoing Prime Minister Evicka Silina's New Unity, the National Alliance and the Union of Greens and Farmers.

Speaking to parliament before the vote, Kulbergs made it clear that security, border protection, economy and energy are at the top of the government's agenda. Referring to the upcoming elections, he said:

“Bota will tell us very soon if we did well or badly, on October 3rd... the decision will be made on this government”

In their joint statement, the four coalition government parties pledged to continue their full support for Ukraine by following the line of the previous leadership, focusing on national protection and “implementing measures that would weaken and isolate Russia”. In addition, the “secure development of elections” was defined as a key concern.

In the new government, Baiba Braze holds the Foreign Affairs Minister's portfolio. Maris Kučinskis, on the other hand, takes over the Ministry of Finance, while Colonel Raivis Melnis takes over as defence minister.

It is noteworthy that the Progressive Party, which was part of the previous Evika Silina coalition, was left out of the new cabinet, which moves the government even to the right.

Tensions on NATO's northern border with Russia have escalated, while the showing of Ukrainian armed fears in Baltic airspace has raised fears of a broader conflict. Incidents have forced residents to take refuge in shelters, while schools and gardens are temporarily closed due to alarms.

The crisis in the Latvian government began 7 May, when a Ukrainian drone hit an empty oil reservoir within the Latvian territory. The then prime minister, Evicka Silina, dismissed the defence minister, accusing her of inadequacy in the army's safeguard clause, a decision that eventually led to the collapse of her coalition government.

Baltic countries accuse Russia of breaking down fears and taking them out of course through electronic (blocking).

The Kremlin, on the other hand, accuses the Baltic countries of allowing the release of Ukrainian drones in their territory - a claim they flatly dismiss.