Although a large share of Latvian residents remain undecided on whom they would trust to lead the next government, the current frontrunner overall is Ainārs Šlesers (Latvia First), according to a survey by internet research and technology company Gemius.
The poll shows that 14.5% of respondents see Šlesers as the next prime minister, compared with 9.8% for the current PM Evika Siliņa (New Unity) and 9.5% for Artis Pabriks from Development/For.
By age group, Šlesers gains the strongest support among those over 45. Siliņa is more popular with younger respondents, particularly those aged 18–24 and 35–44. Pabriks is the top choice for the 35–44 age group, while also retaining some backing among older voters.
Regionally, Šlesers leads across Latvia. In Riga and Kurzeme, Siliņa ranks second, while in Vidzeme and Zemgale Pabriks takes the runner-up spot, also enjoying solid support in Kurzeme. In Zemgale, Economy Minister Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers) receives above-average backing, while in Latgale notable support goes to Jānis Urbanovičs (Harmony), Jūlija Stepaņenko (Sovereign Power) and Aleksejs Rosļikovs (Stability!).
Among Latvian-speaking households, Šlesers, Pabriks, and Siliņa are the most supported.
Among Russian speakers, Šlesers again leads, but Stepaņenko is in second place and Rosļikovs third. Russian speakers are far less likely than Latvian speakers to back Pabriks, and almost none believe Valainis or Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance) should become prime minister. Respondents who speak another language at home overwhelmingly support Indriksone.
The survey was conducted from August 8–12, polling 2,274 Latvian internet users.
Read also: Latvia’s Finance Ministry outlines the 2026 budget — more funding for security and social support