Kulbergs’ delayed coalition talks fuel doubts over government formation

Nearly all of October is set to pass without formal talks between parties on Latvia’s next government, as Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs prepares his policy plan and remains away from the country for personal reasons. Latvian Television’s investigative programme De facto reported for LSM that political observers disagree on whether the delay reflects a deliberate tactic by the United List or prolonged confusion.

Kulbergs said on Monday, two weeks after the elections, that the United List’s first talks with other parties would take place on October 28. He urged potential partners to allow the process to proceed, saying they needed time to prepare counterproposals and their own ideas for change.

The prime minister’s trip to the United States to attend a friend’s funeral also postponed the presentation of the United List’s policy plan, which had been expected this week. Even the party’s parliamentary group has not yet seen it.

Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis, one of the United List’s most experienced politicians and a former prime minister, said it was normal for a prime minister to set out a vision before talks began. When he prepared to form a government in 2016, he spent a week working out what he wanted to achieve before approaching potential partners.

Kučinskis said Kulbergs’ absence had disrupted talks expected this week. He added that the situation was different because the United List had 41 seats in parliament, putting particular responsibility on Kulbergs. Kučinskis said he was among the candidates to lead the party’s parliamentary group but had not made a final decision, noting the challenge of heading such a large group.

Opposition politician Ainārs Šlesers continues to propose a coalition between his party and the United List. Šuvajevs said Šlesers might also support a coalition between the United List and the National Alliance.