Nearly two-thirds of next Saeima's members could be newcomers

Preliminary results from Latvia's 15th Saeima election, which may still change, indicate that more than 60 new lawmakers will join parliament — a turnover rate similar to the previous, 14th Saeima. This means roughly two-thirds of the chamber's composition will change.

Biggest gainers and newcomers

The election winner, the United List, will contribute the most newcomers — 28 new deputies. It is followed by two alliances never before represented in parliament: "Sovereign Power/Union of New Latvians," bringing all 15 of its elected deputies, and "Latvia First," with 12 newcomers. Among the latter's candidates is Riga City Council member Ainārs Šlesers, who is not entirely new to the Saeima — he previously served there until last summer, when he was elected to the Riga council and gave up his parliamentary seat.

The Progressives could add three new lawmakers to parliament, including Agnese Lāce, who did not run in the previous election but served as culture minister during the current Saeima's term. The National Alliance is expected to gain two newcomers, while New Unity gets one — possibly Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who last ran for the Saeima in 2022.

Seat distribution

With nearly all votes counted, six parties have entered the new Saeima. The United List secured 42 seats, "Latvia First" 17, "Sovereign Power/Union of New Latvians" 15, the National Alliance 10, the Progressives nine, and New Unity seven. The Greens and Farmers Union fell just short of the 5% threshold with 4.4% of the vote. New Unity will lose the most seats compared to the previous election, when it won 26.