How a struggling political alliance became Latvia's longest-serving democratic government

Countries & Cities · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2018, the New Unity alliance barely survived the Latvian elections, scraping past the 5% threshold by just 1.7%. Yet, through strategic maneuvering and political vacancies, this centre-right group eventually rose to lead the nation's most enduring democratic cabinet.

The New Unity (Jaunā Vienotība) is a centre-right Latvian political alliance built from a core of the Unity party and several regional groups, including parties from Kuldīga, Valmiera, Tukums, and Jēkabpils. While the alliance initially struggled, performing poorly in the 2018 parliamentary elections, it found an unexpected path to power. Following the failure of other candidates to form a government in early 2019, President Raimonds Vējonis appointed Krišjānis Kariņš to lead a coalition that included the New Conservatives, KPV LV, Development/For!, and the National Alliance.

Spanning 1,421 days, the initial Kariņš administration set a new record as Latvia's longest-lasting cabinet since its democratic era began. The alliance's political identity is defined by liberal-conservatism, advocating for a market-driven economy, progressive taxation, and deeper integration with the EU and NATO. Geopolitically, the party maintains a firm stance against Russian aggression, supporting sanctions and aid for Ukraine, while promoting a civic nationalist approach to Latvia's Russian-speaking minority that encourages Latvian language proficiency without forced assimilation.

The party's internal dynamics and social stances have also evolved. Once conservative on social issues, New Unity shifted to support same-sex civil unions and the Istanbul Convention after 2018. Leadership transitions have also seen significant shifts; Kariņš resigned in September 2023, succeeded by Evika Siliņa. While the party maintains a focus on economic stability and women's representation in the workforce, it continues to navigate complex regional partnerships, such as its fluctuating cooperation agreements with the Latgale Party.

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