Kulbergs delays coalition talks as Šlesers backs minority government

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has not held formal talks with other parties about forming a government, while Latvia First leader Ainārs Šlesers has offered support for a minority cabinet of professionals, LSM’s De facto reported.

Kulbergs, the United List’s prime ministerial candidate after the election, met only with his party’s newly elected parliamentary faction this week. His office said it was too early to discuss potential partners or the format of a government. No talks are planned for next week either.

Šlesers’s offer has prompted political discussion about a minority government as one of the more likely options. Kulbergs has said he does not see cooperation with Latvia First, however.

The National Alliance, often considered the United List’s closest partner, said it was waiting for talks to begin. The two parties would hold a narrow majority of 51 seats in the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament. National Alliance deputy parliamentary group leader Artūrs Butāns said he saw no disagreements and did not expect the delay to change much.

President Edgars Rinkēvičs said all parties elected to the 15th Saeima were ready to consult with Kulbergs after meeting with them. The choice of ministers remains less clear, and Dombrava may not be nominated, according to LSM.