Kulbergs opens government talks as Latvia faces political uncertainty

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has begun formal talks on forming a new government, while more than 60 outgoing Saeima members prepare for life outside parliament. LSM reported the developments in its weekly roundup on Friday.

Parties discuss priorities before posts

Kulbergs, of the United List, has met separately with the National Alliance and New Unity but has not yet invited either party to join the coalition. He says the parties should first agree on policy, not ministerial positions.

His proposed model includes a short government declaration, specific assignments for ministers and four priorities: public finances, the economy, security and public administration reform. The plan calls for cutting spending by 500 million euros next year and generating an additional 500 million euros.

Both parties support reviewing spending and bureaucracy. New Unity wants Baiba Braže and Raivis Melnis to remain ministers, while the National Alliance has stressed security and national identity.

Unofficial reports have named former Stradiņš Hospital board chair Normunds Staņēvičs and cardiologist Andris Skride as possible health ministers. Citadele economist Kārlis Purgailis has been mentioned for finance minister, although he has spoken cautiously about the prospect, and Edgars Štelmahers for economy minister.

Outgoing MPs consider their next steps

More than 60 members of the current Saeima, or about two-thirds of the chamber, will not return after the 15th Saeima elections. Ingmārs Līdaka plans to finish a book and resume visiting schools to talk about animals. Augusts Brigmanis will continue working on his farm, while former Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens plans to look for work and spend more time with his family and on sport.

Alexander Kiršteins intends to remain in politics and develop the party We Are Changing the Rules. Other former MPs contacted by LSM also said they did not plan to leave politics entirely.

Newly elected MP detained in EU funds inquiry

Mārtiņš Brencis, a newly elected Saeima member and an adviser to Kulbergs on public administration, has been temporarily detained as part of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation into the suspected fraud of more than 1.4 million euros in EU funds in Alūksne municipality.

The investigation concerns a project that used European funding to build three production buildings for rent to companies. Investigators suspect that rules may have been breached in procurement and the allocation of premises. Brencis worked at the Central Finance and Contracting Agency at the time. He denies wrongdoing and says he will not give up his parliamentary mandate. Kulbergs has dismissed him from his adviser’s post.

Citizenship cases draw further scrutiny

After the Saeima on October 22 repealed the law granting Latvian citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kanan Vishvanath, prosecutors began reviewing the citizenship granted to her husband, Kanan Vishvanath, in 2023, as well as the role of officials. The State Revenue Service is also examining declarations by the leadership of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The academy plans to establish a commission.