The Most Intriguing Moment Begins - Division of Portfolios 0 21

So far, everything seems to be going well for the candidate for prime minister Andris Kulbergs - "New Unity" has agreed to participate in the government he is forming, which not only provides a majority in the Saeima but a constitutional majority of 69 votes (taking into account the support of three or four independent deputies). However, the most challenging part of the government formation process is still ahead. First and foremost, Kulbergs will need to negotiate with partners about the division of ministerial portfolios. In the resigned government of Silin, everything was straightforward: the majority of ministerial portfolios were taken by "New Unity," as the largest faction in the Saeima, while the others received three ministerial portfolios each. Now, however, the situation is different: firstly, "New Unity" is no longer forming the government and does not play a key role in it, and secondly, the other partners have already created a "core" to prevent "New Unity" from dominating the government. On the other hand, the partners cannot completely "humiliate" "New Unity," as they simply do not have a majority in the Saeima without this political force.

How will the portfolios be distributed? Let us venture to assume that in this model of government, "New Unity" will receive 5 portfolios, while the others will get three each, and additionally, the United List will hold the post of prime minister. It seems that the United List, along with the prime minister's position, will "take" the posts of ministers of finance, defense, and smart administration and regional development. The main candidate for the position of Minister of Defense will likely be the current head of the Saeima's Defense and Internal Affairs Commission, Raimonds Bergmanis, who previously headed the defense ministry. The portfolio of the Minister of Smart Administration could go to Saeima deputy, former prime minister Maris Kucinskis. This takes on special significance in light of the elections, as this ministry is responsible for the technical support of the electoral process. Given the recent scandals related to the electronic voting system and information technology, the ministry should be headed by an experienced politician. The position of Minister of Finance may be proposed for Saeima deputy Aiva Viksna, who has extensive experience in entrepreneurship.

The National Alliance will likely receive the post of Minister of Culture (Nauris Puntulis), and they may also be given the Ministry of the Interior (considering one of the National Alliance's priorities - combating migration) and the Ministry of Justice.

As for the Union of Greens and Farmers, their priority is to maintain the existing ministerial posts, namely - economy, climate and energy, welfare, and agriculture. It is clear that they will have to give up one of the portfolios for balance.

And what about "New Unity"? Most likely, this political force will insist on retaining the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs (Baiba Braže) as well as the portfolio of Minister of Health (Khosam Abu Meri). It is likely that "New Unity" will be offered the post of Minister of Communications, and possibly the portfolio of Minister of Climate and Energy will transition from the "Green Farmers" to "New Unity."

The post of Minister of Education and Science may remain with "New Unity," or it may go to the National Alliance.

It is clear that all disputes and struggles for ministerial posts will unfold in the coming days. Let us remind you: already on Monday, Andris Kulbergs will need to report to the president on the progress of government formation.

The ministerial post during the pre-election period takes on special significance, as it gives any party the opportunity to promote itself further, while ministers, unafraid of being accused of hidden election campaigning, can actively give interviews about their sector, visit regions, etc.