Rinkevics consults elected parties before naming prime minister

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics began consultations with parties elected to the 15th Saeima on Monday as he prepares to nominate a candidate to form the next government, LSM reported.

On Monday, Rinkevics met representatives of the United List, Latvia First, Sovereign Power/United New Latvians and the National Alliance. He is due to meet the Progressives and New Unity on Tuesday, after which he is expected to announce his nominee.

The United List, which won the election, set out four priorities for the next government: putting public finances in order, strengthening security, boosting economic growth and making state administration more effective. After the meeting, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said the historically large mandate given to the party alliance by voters obliges it to bring about change. He said the four priorities should form the basis of the next government’s declaration, and that the president agreed.

Latvia First still hopes to join the coalition, while Sovereign Power/United New Latvians raised issues related to voter activity. The National Alliance said it was waiting for a proposal from the United List.