Public satisfaction with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’ (United List) government remained significantly negative more than a month before Latvia’s parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, its approval rating was among the highest recorded in the country in nearly two decades.
According to a survey conducted by research centre SKDS for the think tank Providus as part of its study Public Mandate: Governance Barometer (2026–2029), only 3% of respondents were completely satisfied with the government’s performance in August, while 28% were somewhat satisfied. Meanwhile, 29% were completely dissatisfied and another 32% were somewhat dissatisfied.
The study found that the government’s performance rating index stood at -27.8 points in August, measured on a scale ranging from -100 to +100. Despite remaining in negative territory, the result was among the highest recorded since 2008. For historical comparison, researchers used data from the SKDS Latvia Barometer surveys dating back to April 2008. Throughout this period, the government performance index has never reached a positive value. The lowest rating was recorded in January 2009, when the index fell to -76.9 points during the severe economic crisis that followed Latvia’s years of rapid economic growth.
The study found that the government’s performance index was negative across every demographic group analysed. The most pronounced differences were associated with the language spoken at home. Among Latvian-speaking respondents, 43% were satisfied with the government’s performance, while 48% were dissatisfied. In contrast, only 11% of Russian-speaking respondents expressed satisfaction, compared with 82% who were dissatisfied. Men evaluated the government’s performance somewhat more positively than women.
Residents aged 65 to 75 also expressed more favourable views than the population overall.
At the same time, the survey indicated that lower household income per person was associated with lower levels of satisfaction with the government’s work.
The Providus study also examined the issues Latvian residents consider most important for the 15th Saeima. In a survey conducted in July, respondents were asked to identify, in their own words, the three most important problems the next parliament should address. No predefined answer options were provided.
Healthcare emerged as the leading priority, mentioned by 46% of respondents. Economic issues were identified by 28%, education by 25%, and national security and defence by 23%. Meanwhile, 18% highlighted public finances, government administration and bureaucracy, 17% mentioned demographic challenges, and 16% identified social protection, pensions and benefits.
Healthcare was the most frequently mentioned priority in 43 of the 46 demographic groups analysed.
Among men, however, economic issues ranked first, mentioned by 33%, while healthcare was identified by 32%. National security and defence were the most frequently mentioned concerns among young people aged 18 to 24, as well as among school pupils and university students.
Significant differences were also observed between women and men. Healthcare was identified as a priority by 60% of women, compared with 32% of men. Education was mentioned by 34% of women and 16% of men.
Differences were also evident between Latvian-speaking and Russian-speaking households. National security and defence were mentioned by 30% of Latvian-speaking respondents, compared with just 10% of Russian-speaking respondents. Conversely, economic issues were identified by 36% of Russian-speaking respondents and 22% of Latvian-speaking respondents.
Residents aged 25 to 34 were more likely than the population overall to highlight demographic challenges. Older residents, meanwhile, placed greater emphasis on education, the state budget and bureaucracy.
Both surveys were conducted by SKDS on behalf of Providus.
The survey examining public priorities took place between the 16th and the 21st of July, while the survey assessing government performance was conducted between the 10th and the 12th of August.
Each online survey involved 1,005 Latvian residents aged 18 to 75.
The Public Mandate: Governance Barometer (2026–2029) initiative is being implemented by Providus in cooperation with SKDS and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s Baltic States Office.
The initiative will measure public satisfaction with the government’s performance every quarter and assess residents’ quality of life across seven areas once a year.