Minority government could sidestep posts dispute but risk cooperation

A minority government could sidestep disputes over appointments, but political analysts warn that agreeing on cooperation terms could be difficult, LSM reported. They say it is too early to rule out a coalition with the current partners: counting votes is easier than building trust and working together for four years.

Several possible government arrangements have been discussed publicly, including a minority government, ministers drawn from professional fields or a coalition of two or three parties. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List is preparing a programme of changes, while official coalition talks have yet to begin.

Work continues on a draft government declaration, but it is too early to say which parties might join the coalition or what form the next government will take, Kulbergs’ communications adviser Elīna Šverna told Latvian Radio. Kulbergs has said the first draft will be shared with potential partners for review and discussion. He has stressed that talks should focus on specific actions and a programme of changes, rather than posts or coalition arithmetic. His adviser said he wants agreement on what the government will do before deciding who will do it.

Official coalition talks are therefore unlikely to take place this week. In the second half of the week, Kulbergs is due to travel to Brussels for a European Council meeting, where he will discuss competitiveness, Ukraine, the next multiannual financial framework, and European defence and security with EU leaders.

Latvian Television, citing several sources, reported that Edvards Smiltēns of the United List, the current justice minister and a former parliamentary speaker, could become speaker of the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament. Ināra Mūrniece of the National Alliance, who has also served as speaker, and possibly Inese Lībiņa-Egnere of New Unity, who has worked in the Saeima Presidium, could be nominated as deputy speakers. New Unity is also considering other candidates for deputy speaker, including Ainars Latkovskis and Edmunds Jurēvics.