Andris Kulbergs, to whom President Rinkēvičs entrusted the formation of a new government, has only one week left to provide him with the layout of a possible coalition. Politicians from the United List (OS) will meet today with representatives of the National Alliance and the Union of Greens and Farmers (SZK) to discuss the possibilities of forming a new coalition, reported the head of the OS faction in the Saeima, Edgars Tavars.
After the meeting, the parties will report on the results of the negotiations.
As reported, President Edgars Rinkēvičs decided to entrust the formation of a new government to United List MP Andris Kulbergs.
Rinkēvičs expects Kulbergs to provide information on significant progress by May 25 regarding the specific outlines of the coalition, the distribution of responsibilities among the parties, and the government declaration.
The president thanked the parties for their open and constructive negotiations, emphasizing that there is unanimity and a willingness to work. This, according to Rinkēvičs, gives reason to believe that the parties will be able to form a viable government that has support in the Saeima, although, given the previous tense political rhetoric, the process will not be easy.
"New Unity" stated that it is ready to talk with Kulbergs and expects proposals from the prime minister candidate regarding priorities, upcoming tasks, and opportunities for cooperation.
The Union of Greens and Farmers is also awaiting specific proposals from Kulbergs on forming a new government.
Meanwhile, the "Progressives" indicated that they will wait for an invitation to negotiations from Kulbergs, during which they want to hear his opinion on important issues for the party.
The party "Latvia First" (LPM) may support a government that includes the National Alliance, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the United List, but will not support a government that includes "New Unity" and the "Progressives," stated LPM faction leader Linda Liepiņa to the LETA agency.
The National Alliance has 12 deputies in the Saeima, the United List has 13, and the Union of Greens and Farmers officially has 16, although the party is counting on 18 votes. This number of votes does not provide a potential coalition with a majority in parliament. The LPM has eight deputies in the Saeima, but the party is also supported by several independent deputies.
Conflicts in the previous coalition escalated on May 10 after Prime Minister Evika Siliņa ("New Unity") decided to dismiss Defense Minister Andris Sprūds ("Progressives") due to incidents involving drones in Latgale.
The "Progressives" stated that the prime minister is unable to responsibly lead the government and called on the president to start consultations on forming a new Cabinet of Ministers.
On May 14, the prime minister announced her resignation, and the initiative to form a new government was taken up by the National Alliance, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the United List, also considering the participation of other partners in the coalition, including "New Unity."
