Kulbergs holds active government talks only with National Alliance

Although Prime Minister and prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs of the United List said on Tuesday that all coalition options, including a minority government, remained possible, active talks are currently taking place only with the National Alliance, LSM reported, citing Latvian Television.

The Progressives and New Unity have not been invited to another round of talks, even an informal one, their leaders confirmed. The National Alliance could retain the interior minister’s post for Jānis Dombrava. It also wants to lead a ministry in the economic sector and the Ministry of Culture.

The parties are discussing how to ensure that the National Alliance cannot be outvoted on matters of principle by opposition votes. More active negotiations could resume over the weekend, after Kulbergs returns from the European Council in Dublin. If the outstanding disagreements are resolved, parliament could vote on the new government as early as next Tuesday.

President Edgars Rinkēvičs tasked Kulbergs with leading government formation. His United List won 41 seats in the 15th Saeima election. Formal talks began in late October, but the coalition model remains unclear. Kulbergs and Rinkēvičs have said they hope to present a proposal by Latvia’s national holiday on November 18.

Six political forces entered parliament: the United List, Latvia First, Sovereign Power/Alliance of New Latvians, the National Alliance, the Progressives and New Unity. The Union of Greens and Farmers, a partner in the previous coalition, failed to clear the five percent threshold.