As Latvia awaits a parliamentary confidence vote on Prime Minister-designate Andris Kulbergs’ proposed coalition cabinet, public debate has largely focused on the cabinet’s striking gender imbalance. 

Only two women are expected to hold ministerial posts in the 15-member government, despite Latvia having previously ranked among the stronger EU performers for female political representation.

Latvia had nearly 45% female representation in government last year, significantly above the EU average. The incoming cabinet marks a sharp reversal and has already prompted criticism from commentators and opposition politicians, national broadcaster LSM.lv reported.

The incoming government, already endorsed by President Edgars Rinkevics, brings together the United List, New Unity, the National Alliance and the Union of Greens and Farmers.

Kulbergs will lead the government himself, while former prime minister Maris Kucinskis has been nominated as finance minister. Baiba Braze is set to remain foreign minister and Hosams Abu Meri health minister.

The new cabinet, unveiled by Kulbergs late afternoon on May 26, is expected to face a parliamentary confidence vote on May 28, LSM.lv reported.

One of the most closely watched appointments is Colonel Raivis Melnis as defence minister. His nomination raised concerns because serving military officers traditionally do not oversee civilian defence structures. Following criticism from President Rinkevics, Melnis announced plans to leave active military service before the parliamentary vote, LSM.lv reported.

The reshuffle also signals political continuity in several ministries. Viktors Valainis is expected to remain economy minister, while Uldis Augulis is likely to retain the agriculture portfolio despite ongoing controversy surrounding the ministry after a criminal case linked to former agriculture minister Armands Krauze.

Previously, the handling of a crisis concerning incursions by foreign drones triggered the resignation of PM Evika Silina on May 14 after tensions escalated within the ruling coalition. 

Relations between the ruling parties, New Unity, the Progressives and the Greens and Farmers Alliance, deteriorated following criticism of Defence Minister Andris Spruds over drone incidents and a criminal investigation involving Agriculture Minister Arnis Krauze. Spruds also resigned.