Latvian President Names Opposition Leader Kulbergs to Form Government After Drone‑Related Resignation

Context Latvia’s ruling coalition collapsed when two Ukrainian drones, diverted from Russia, entered Latvian airspace on May 7. One drone struck an eastern petrol depot, igniting a fire that was quickly extinguished. The breach prompted Prime Minister Silina to dismiss Defence Minister Andris Spruds and, after losing parliamentary support, to resign.

Key Facts President Rinkevics announced at a news conference that the next prime minister should come from the opposition, citing the recent security breach. He nominated Andris Kulberg, leader of the United List, the largest opposition bloc in the Saeima (parliament). Kulberg confirmed the president’s directive, stating he has a 10‑day window to form a governing coalition. Any cabinet he proposes must still win a parliamentary vote. Kulberg said he aims to create an “enlarged coalition” to steer Latvia until the October 3 parliamentary election. The former prime minister’s resignation follows a loss of confidence from the Progressives party, Silina’s coalition partner, which withdrew its support after the drone incident. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to send Ukrainian experts to Latvia to help strengthen air‑defence capabilities, a move discussed during a summit in Romania.

What It Means Kulberg’s appointment signals a shift toward opposition‑led governance amid heightened security concerns in the Baltic region. The 10‑day deadline compresses coalition talks, raising questions about the stability of any interim cabinet. Parliament’s approval will be the next hurdle; failure to secure a majority could trigger another round of negotiations or a caretaker government. Watch for the Saeima’s vote on Kulberg’s proposed cabinet and any further NATO or Ukrainian assistance to Latvia’s air‑defence network as the country prepares for October elections.