Auto dealer at the helm of Latvia: how Andris Kulbergs is heading toward the premiership through lobbying, closed business clubs, and grey financial flows
On Saturday, May 16, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs officially entrusted the formation of a new government to Andris Kulbergs, a member of the Saeima from the “United List” (Apvienotais saraksts).
The politician from the automotive business has set his sights on creating an unprecedented “super-coalition” of five parties (Apvienotais saraksts, National Alliance, Union of Greens and Farmers, Progressives, and New Unity), promising to set emotions aside and form a “government of action.” Previous attempts to seat nationalists and left-liberals at the same table have led to prolonged crises in the 14th Saeima.
“New Unity,” the long-standing hegemon of Latvia’s political scene, has already given preliminary consent to join a coalition led by a former opposition figure.
When asked about the possible participation of Ainars Šlesers’ party “Latvia First” (LPV), Kulbergs did not explicitly say “no.” His formulation that “the widest possible coalition must be created… but I pointed to five parties” leaves the door slightly open for Šlesers.
Kulbergs’ emphasis that “the president did not set red lines” is an important detail. Rinkēvičs has effectively removed the traditional taboo on negotiations with forces previously considered “untouchable” due to oligarchic influence. For Šlesers, this is a chance, if not to enter the Cabinet, then to become a key “golden vote” in parliamentary decisions.
Kulbergs’ thesis “Vispirms darāmie darbi, pēc tam — atbildības” (“First actions, then responsibilities”) is a classic corporate top-manager approach. However, behind the facade of pragmatism lies a complex ecosystem built over years, consisting of personal business, sectoral lobbying, and specially created political and expert platforms. What is hidden behind official declarations and commercial reports of the soon-to-be Prime Minister of Latvia?
Business lineage: from Italian sports cars to a consulting “wallet”
Andris Kulbergs (46) is the sole owner of the company “VK development.” The abbreviation “VK” represents the initials of the politician’s father, Viktor Kulbergs, a legendary Latvian engineer, founder of the Riga Motor Museum, the Antique Automobile Club (AAK), and the company “Auto Rīga.”
Founded in 1995, the company has existed under names such as “AUTO BALTIKA,” “ItalAuto,” and “AUTO FORMULA,” at one point managing major import contracts (including distribution of Alfa Romeo and Fiat).
After Viktor Kulbergs’ death in 2013, the company underwent deep restructuring. A liquidation process was initiated and then canceled just weeks later, and the share capital was sharply reduced to withdraw accumulated assets in favor of the family. After this, control of the company passed from his mother, Elena Kulberga, to Andris Kulbergs. A key marker of political transition: Kulbergs officially left his position as board member of “VK development” on November 10, 2022—just nine days after becoming a member of the Saeima—handing over operational management to Andis Veinbergs, while remaining the 100% beneficial owner.
Today, according to Crediwweb.lv data, “VK development” officially employs only one person, and its activity profile is limited to niche consulting and automotive market research. However, this company remains Kulbergs’ main source of private income outside politics.
In the successful year of 2023, the company earned €68,139 in net profit, allowing Kulbergs to withdraw €38,000 in dividends. In 2024, operating costs tripled, and profit fell to €24,225, which immediately affected his asset declarations—his personal savings decreased by one third. In 2025, the business stabilized, generating €10,000 in dividends.
Notably, in 2025 the company’s total tax contributions to the state budget suddenly dropped more than 2.5 times (to €11,240 compared to €22,990 in 2023), while the workforce remained unchanged at one employee.
For Kulbergs, his personal vehicle collection is an extension of his public image. Year after year, his declarations include exclusive vehicles: from a rare Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS (1939) and a Dodge Challenger (1973) to a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo sports car and a Ducati Multistrada motorcycle. In 2025, his priorities shifted toward water tourism, declaring the purchase of a Ryds 500 HT motorboat and a trailer.
At the beginning of his parliamentary career, Kulbergs owned two Mitsubishi Lancer Evo cars from 1999. One of them, belonging to “VK development,” was severely damaged in an accident on May 1, 2022, becoming scrap metal and requiring lengthy legal procedures for write-off.
Lobbying at the highest level
Since May 2020, Andris Kulbergs has served as a board member of the “AUTO ASOCIĀCIJA.” According to the latest 2025 financial report, this is not just a public organization but a closed elite club consisting of exactly 22 legal entities (the country’s largest car dealers). The average annual contribution per member is around €4,800. This structure exists entirely on targeted funding from its closed ecosystem and functions as a refined commercial lobbying platform.
In 2025, Kulbergs and his colleagues managed to bring the association from a deep deficit into surplus. Financial reports show that cash reserves increased nearly fivefold, reaching €58,971.
The source of this money is the “Deferred Income” line, which includes a large anonymous advance payment of €48,000. One of the influential players in the automotive market apparently pre-financed Kulbergs’ lobbying platform for 2026. Who exactly stands behind this amount is not disclosed in official reporting.
The same report states that the association actively promotes changes to the Natural Resources Tax, technical inspection regulations, “green” public procurement rules for transport, and vehicle recycling policies.
“Latvijas Restarts” – a think tank for the government program
Kulbergs’ declaration also lists another important position—chairman of the board of the association “Latvijas Restarts.” The 2025 annual report of this micro-organization clarifies its purpose. In August 2025, its board included a “star lineup” from the United List: Kulbergs himself, former MP Aiva Vīksna, and sworn attorney Baiba Veisa.
The organization has a very small budget (just over €2,000 in contributions from 18 individuals) and no employees (lawyer Veisa volunteered 60 hours as an unpaid accountant). However, the board report explicitly states its true purpose: “Cooperation with the Saeima faction APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS.”
The conclusion is clear: “Latvijas Restarts” was originally designed and functions as a legal intellectual platform—a think tank outside the Saeima, where Kulbergs and his team over the past year have been developing party platforms, regulatory frameworks, and economic reforms for today’s potential premiership.
World Affairs Correspondent
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
