Close the Integration Fund and the Ministry: The Opposition Prepared a New Blow to Prime Minister Silina 0 180

I Call on the ZZS to Come to Their Senses!

The "Green Farmers" have, first of all, proposed to take part of the budget funds (1.2 million euros) from the Integration Fund to compensate for the shortfall in VAT, and secondly — proposed to completely close the Integration Fund for Society. It is symbolic that the "Green Farmers" suggest starting the "reorganization" of this Fund on April Fool's Day — April 1, and finishing by June 1, transferring the functions of the Fund (i.e. the distribution of grants from EU funds) to the relevant ministries (most likely the Ministry of Culture).

Prime Minister Evika Silina has already expressed her dissatisfaction with yet another "stunt" from her government partners. She was echoed by the leader of the parliamentary faction of "New Unity," Edmunds Jurēvics: The proposal submitted by the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) to the Saeima to abolish the Integration Fund for Society (IFS) is dangerous populism. "I call on the ZZS to come to their senses" - the majority of the IFS funding is intended for the most vulnerable segments of the population in Latvia, including for the distribution of food packages. A significant portion of the funds is also intended to support Ukrainians, the media, and regional press, to provide quality information for people in the regions. Unfortunately, the ZZS is competing in a sort of "populist bidding" with other political forces, but I would still urge them to refrain from withdrawing such proposals."

Now the main intrigue is whether the Prime Minister will be able to "persuade" the Union of Greens and Farmers to withdraw their proposal. Otherwise, the scenario with the bill on withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention may repeat — surely the entire Saeima opposition will support the liquidation of the Integration Fund for Society, which "consumes" a considerable amount of budget funds, while the effect of its activities is quite questionable.

By the way, the opposition suggests not to stop only at the Integration Fund for Society and also "shut down" the Ministry of Climate and Energy created under the first Karins government. The corresponding initiative was submitted by deputies from both the United List and "Stability!".

"An Outsider" Among Their Own

It is noteworthy that the "Green Farmers" seem to have already adapted to the role of internal opposition within the government — in any case, the lion's share of their amendments to the budget very much resembles an "oppositional style." Thus, the "Green Farmers" propose to reduce the number of positions in state and municipal administration, take part of the funds from public media, directing them to cover the budget deficit... Let us remind you that the 2026 budget provides for a reduction in VAT from 21% to 12% on bread, milk, eggs, and chicken. However, the "Green Farmers" submitted an amendment proposing to extend the reduced VAT to pork as well.

A whole series of changes to the 2026 budget was proposed by the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mierina (Union of Greens and Farmers). She proposed to redistribute EU funds so that the reconstruction of the Latvian Oncology Center could be quickly completed, granting this facility the status of a national significance object. The Speaker also proposed not to pay bonuses to state and municipal officials next year and in 2027.

It is clear that a very difficult conversation is expected at the coalition council between the Prime Minister and the "Green Farmers." It cannot be ruled out that Silina will agree to support the majority of the "Green Farmers" proposals, as otherwise there is a risk... of a budget failure. Let us remind you: according to the law, if the Saeima votes against the adoption of the budget in the first or second readings, the government automatically resigns. Silina is clearly not yet morally ready to leave her post and "lose" her government.