Kulbergs' popularity reshapes the Saeima: ZZS veterans head into retirement
The United List won the 15th Saeima election with a record number of seats, but voter turnout was the lowest in history. Support for the previous Saeima's leaders fell sharply, and about two thirds of deputies will be replaced.
The distribution of votes in the Saeima has changed radically after the 15th Saeima election. Voters have shown trust in the new prime minister, Andris Kulbergs, while long-serving politicians from the ZZS are likely to be sent into retirement.
Two records
The election will go down in history for two records. The winner secured the largest number of seats ever, while voter turnout was the lowest. In a sense, the two are linked. If thousands of people who voted four years ago stayed away from polling stations this autumn, a plausible explanation is disappointment with their earlier choice and a reluctance to repeat it.
Leaders at the threshold
Only three lists managed to increase their support considerably. The leaders of the previous Saeima barely cleared the 5% threshold this time, and some even fell below it.
A new set of deputies
As a result, about two thirds of the Saeima's deputies will be replaced again. The largest number of political newcomers will sit in the faction of the winners, the United List. On election night, Kulbergs and his colleagues from the party alliance waited together for the results.
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