Parliament backs health minister Abu Meri in no-confidence vote

Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri of New Unity will remain in office after Latvia’s parliament rejected an opposition-backed no-confidence motion on Thursday, LSM reported.

Twenty-four lawmakers supported the motion, 67 voted against it and one abstained.

The motion was submitted by the opposition Latvia First party. It accused Abu Meri of taking insufficient action to address problems in healthcare, citing patient transport, waiting lists for state-funded medical services and reduced funding for Riga Maternity Hospital.

Parliament is also scheduled to consider a no-confidence motion against Education and Science Minister Ilze Indriksone of the National Alliance. The motion was proposed by lawmakers from the Progressives faction and independent MP Ieva Brante.

Last week, Parliament rejected no-confidence motions against Interior Minister Janis Dombrava of the National Alliance and Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis of New Unity. The motions were submitted by Latvia First and several unaffiliated lawmakers during the government led by Andris Kulbergs.