The candidate for Prime Minister from the “United List,” invited by the President of the State, Andris Kulbergs, will go to the Riga Castle on Monday, May 25, to present the composition of the new government.
According to information available to Latvian Television (LTV), the government declaration and the distribution of positions were being finalized both yesterday and today. The most difficult issue has been the distribution of ministerial portfolios, which has caused disagreements not only among potential coalition partners but also within the parties themselves.
The information available to LTV indicates that the resigned Prime Minister Evika Silinī (“New Unity”) is not a candidate for the post of Minister of Defense.
The most challenging agreement was reached with “New Unity,” represented by the current Prime Minister Silinī. Unofficial information states: “New Unity” indicated that if they do not receive the expected sectors, they may not participate in the work of the new government. In such a case, a minority government would have to be formed, which, in turn, is opposed by the National Alliance.
After lengthy consultations, it was decided that “New Unity” would receive the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs for the current minister Baiba Braže, the post of Minister of Defense for Colonel Raivis Melņis, the post of Minister of Transport for Arvils Ašeradens or Rihards Kozlovskis, and the post of Minister of Health for Hosam Abu Meri.
“United List” will receive the post of Prime Minister for Kulbergs, as well as the post of Minister of Finance for Maris Kučinskis, along with the posts of Minister of Justice and Minister of Smart Governance.
National Alliance will receive the post of Minister of Education for Ilze Indrikson, the post of Minister of Culture for Nauris Puntulis, the post of Minister of the Interior for Janis Dombrovskis, and the post of Minister of Climate and Energy.
Union of Greens and Farmers will retain the position of Speaker of the Saeima for Daiga Mierina. The Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Minister of Welfare Reinis Uzulnieks will also retain their positions, while the post of Minister of Agriculture may be taken by Uldis Augulis or Kaspars Melņis.
With the specified distribution of positions and the draft government declaration, Kulbergs will inform the President of the State on Monday.
Leave a comment