DOMESTIC POLITICS: A five-party, centre-right coalition government took office in March 2009. The prime minister is Mr Dombrovskis from New Era, which was previously in opposition. Mr Dombrovskis heads a coalition that comprises New Era, the conservative Civic Union and three parties from the outgoing coalition: the People's Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), and the conservative-nationalist For Fatherland and Freedom-Latvian National Independence Movement (TB-LNNK). The coalition commands a sizeable majority in the 100-seat Saeima (parliament), with 64 seats. However, tensions arising from tough adjustment measures mean that the new government is unlikely to survive until the election that is due in October 2010.

Source: Latvia: Country outlook

Source: Country Forecast Latvia September 2009

Source: EIU Country Data