Most residents want Lembergs for prime minister; Gobzems least popular candidate

RIGA - Residents believe that former Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs (For Latvia and Ventspils) would be the best prime minister, while Saeima member Aldis Gobzems (Law and Order) is considered the least suitable candidate for the premier, according to a poll carried by SKDS research center in October.

36 percent of respondents believe that Lembergs is the best candidate for the prime minister. 33.9 percent support the current Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity), while 27.5 percent named former minister and Saeima member, now managing director of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Dana Reizniece-Ozola (Greens/Farmers).

Asked for the least suitable candidates, 74.6 percent of respondents named Gobzems. 72.4 percent said it was Latvia First party's leader Ainars Slesesrs, and 69.5 percent - Health Minister Daniels Pavluts.

Lembergs is mostly supported by men, residents 45 to 54 years old, residents of Latgale, unemployed, and low-income residents. Lembergs is also significantly more popular with Russian-speakers than with Latvians.

The poll was carried out in October by interviewing 933 citizens of Latvia.