Kulbergs to propose new government model and minister mission letters

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs will propose a short government declaration, separate tasks for parliament and mission letters setting out ministers’ main responsibilities in talks with potential coalition partners, LSM reports.

Kulbergs said lawmakers from his United List alliance had backed his plans for changes after talks on Monday. Formal government-formation talks with the National Alliance and New Unity are due to begin on Wednesday. Both parties say they will come with an open mind and their own proposals, and that agreement on policy should come before posts.

The United List is considering all coalition options, including a minority government, although Kulbergs said the alliance was not actively pursuing that model. The talks will focus on four priority areas. The proposal includes a particularly short government declaration, minister mission letters and a separate declaration setting out tasks for the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament.

The National Alliance has proposed reforming ministries. New Unity says it will approach the talks with an open mind and heart.

Experts have not identified a likely coalition, with either a two-party or three-party government possible. Kulbergs has said there is enough time for negotiations and that rushing could lead to mistakes. President Edgars Rinkevics has expressed hope that a government can be formed by Latvia’s national holiday in November.

On Monday, Kulbergs and the United List’s newly elected Saeima members discussed his proposed changes throughout the day at the Business Embassy in Tiraine, Marupe municipality. Kulbergs said he wanted to discuss the plan within his alliance before meeting other parties.