The

centrist party

"

New Unity

" of the Latvian Prime Minister,

Krisjanis Karins

, is

in the lead with 22.5%

in the political elections that are taking place in

Latvia

, according to what emerges from the

exit polls

.

Strong

decline

in support, however, for the

Social Democratic party

, which may not exceed the threshold, and for the formations that represent the

Russian-speaking minority of the

Baltic nation, which has 1.9 million inhabitants.

The vote, it seems, was marked by

concern for Russian expansionism

, very present in the Baltic countries and aggravated by the invasion of Ukraine.

"

The election results look pretty promising for my party, but it's a bit early to tell

," Karins told reporters after the polls closed.

"

Consultations for the new government

," added Karins, "

should begin on Monday

."

The

composition

of the executive will depend on

the smaller parties

that want

to support the premier

The exit polls give

the United List of Greens and regional parties to 11.5% ,

the Union of Green Farmers

to 10.9%

and

the National Alliance to 8.4%

.

Among the parties representing the

Russian minority

, only one, called "

Stability!

", Would have

exceeded the threshold of 5%

.

Russian speakers make up about 30% of the Latvian population.