Latvian coalition talks drop opposition to Latvia First

United List MPs have stopped ruling out Latvia First’s participation in the next government, despite prime minister-designate Andris Kulbergs having repeatedly said before the election that he would not work with the party. LSM’s investigative programme De facto reported that United List MPs are leaving the coalition decision to Kulbergs.

The newly elected parliament held its first session last week, but questions remain over how a governing majority will be secured. The United List has the largest faction, and its MPs said they trust Kulbergs to decide the coalition’s composition and present his vision.

Several United List MPs named the National Alliance as their first choice for a coalition partner. MP Edvards Smiltēns urged others to wait for the outcome of the talks. MP Edgar Štelmahers said he would not work with the Sovereign Power/Young Latvians Alliance, but said discussions were taking place with all parliamentary factions.

United List MP Pēteris Dimants called on parties to “bury the hatchet.” Relations among potential coalition partners remain difficult, while the first round of talks focused on the state’s strained budget situation. The new government is expected to prepare the public for unpopular decisions, but is not rushing to draft the budget.