Kučinskis open to leading United List faction in new parliament

Latvia’s current finance minister, Māris Kučinskis, says he would be willing to lead the United List faction in the 15th Saeima, LSM reported, citing an interview with Latvian Radio.

Kučinskis said he had been asked to take the role, but that it remained a matter for discussion. He said the faction worked collectively and that he had never been “the boss”. He would not rule out leading it if no other candidate emerged.

Asked whether he would like to remain finance minister in the next government, Kučinskis said he would, as he did not feel he had completed his work.

Kučinskis was elected to the 15th Saeima from the Kurzeme constituency, where he was the United List’s lead candidate. After the new government was formed, Juris Viļums became the faction’s leader. Edgars Tavars, who previously led the faction, joined Kulbergs’ government as minister for smart administration and regional development.