Latvians head to the polls amid concerns over rising cost of living and Russia

Polls opened on Saturday in Latvia's parliamentary election shaped by concerns over neighbouring Russia and the cost of living crisis. The Baltic state is a key pillar of NATO's eastern defensive flank, and experts say there is widespread support for supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia. "The stance towards Russia is the main reason for Latvians' Western, NATO and European anchoring," a Western diplomat in Riga , adding that it would be hard to imagine major political changes. Polls predict the centre-right United List, led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, will emerge the largest party in parliament in Saturday's vote.