Kulbergs to ask coalition partners which changes they want

Prime minister-designate Andris Kulbergs will ask potential coalition partners to name the three changes they consider most important, LSM reported, citing the meeting agenda prepared by the candidate.

Kulbergs is due to meet representatives of the Progressives, New Unity and the National Alliance on November 9. He plans to ask what changes they believe are needed to boost Latvia’s economic growth and where the government could find savings in the budget.

He will also seek their views on whether changes to the government’s working structure could make it more effective, and whether the number or structure of ministries should be changed.

President Edgars Rinkēvičs asked Kulbergs, a politician from the United List, to form a new government after the 15th Saeima convened. Kulbergs has said he hopes to present a model for the new Cabinet by mid-November. Until a new government is formed, the outgoing Cabinet continues in a caretaker capacity.

Possible government arrangements include a United List coalition with the National Alliance and New Unity, a United List and National Alliance government, or a United List minority government relying mainly on support from Latvia First.

The United List won 41 seats in the 15th Saeima election. Latvia First won 17, Sovereign Power and the Association of Young Latvians together won 15, the National Alliance and the Progressives each won 10, and New Unity won seven.