Levits says Latvia should not rush to form a new government

Former Latvian President Egils Levits says parties should take their time forming a new government, LSM reported, calling it the right approach to let the previous parliamentary term continue while talks have yet to begin.

“I believe we should not rush to form a government,” Levits told Latvian Television. He said the president was right to aim for a government by November 18, leaving enough time to prepare a coherent coalition agreement.

Levits said the outlines of a possible coalition were clear: the United List, the National Alliance and possibly New Unity. A government with 58 seats would be a more sensible option if the goal was stability for a full four-year term, he said.

He described low voter turnout in the 15th Saeima election as bad news, but said the United List’s record number of seats at a record-low turnout was positive. He said its victory should lead to policies focused on change and improvement.

Levits also urged the United List, a coalition of parties, to use the moment to become a unified party with a single leadership and recruit members. He said this could allow it to pursue a more consistent political direction over several elections.

The United List won 41 seats, the largest number won by a party or coalition in the history of Latvia’s parliament, according to the report. Latvia First received 17 seats, while Sovereign Power and the Young Latvians Union received 15.