Members of the Budget and Finance (Tax) Commission of the Saeima, after reconsidering the issue, today supported the draft decision of the Saeima to agree to provide a state short-term loan to the national airline "airBaltic," writes LETA.
Transport Minister Aitis Švinkas (Progressives) reiterated the importance of the company and the need for its support during the meeting. He also noted that he bears political responsibility for every decision and possible mistakes. "I take full responsibility for the process, for the actions, for the plan that we are currently promoting," emphasized the minister.
Opposition MP Kristaps Krīštopans (LPM) inquired before the vote about the consequences if the loan is not repaid on time. In turn, Švinkas again emphasized that he takes full responsibility for the plan and its implementation.
Coalition MP Uldis Augulis (ZKP) pointed out that it is currently unclear how the loan will be repaid, and criticized the situation where it is impossible to access all available information, as part of it is classified.
As previously reported, disagreements between the parties represented in the government of Evika Siliņa (New Unity) have escalated to the point where she suggested on Wednesday that the government might fall, with the official reason being the inability of "New Unity," "Progressives," and ZKP to agree on supporting the airline "airBaltic."
As a result, the majority of commission members supported the draft decision to agree to provide a loan to "airBaltic." This issue is expected to be discussed at today's Saeima meeting.
Earlier, deputies from the ZKP faction in the Saeima insisted on a "three-point proposal," including Švinkas' resignation, to support the provision of a short-term loan of 30 million euros to "airBaltic."
The ZKP proposal stipulated that support for the loan would be ensured if there was a clear plan for achieving "airBaltic"'s status as a profitable company, if Švinkas resigns as transport minister before the vote in the Saeima, taking political responsibility for the uncontrolled situation, and if Siliņa takes political responsibility for implementing the plan to ensure the airline's profitability.
In turn, the "Progressives" emphasized that they do not intend to consider the ZKP proposal, while "New Unity" called on coalition partners to negotiate to reach an agreement on further work.
During negotiations held on Thursday morning, coalition partners agreed to continue working together. As Siliņa noted, the agreement stipulates that Švinkas must ensure that "airBaltic" becomes a profitable company. Otherwise, he will have to take responsibility, the prime minister emphasized.
Siliņa also indicated that the Ministry of Transport needs to be reorganized, as "many tasks are stuck" and are not progressing. She expects the reorganization to happen soon.
