National Alliance says government talks are not near the finish

Latvia’s National Alliance says it is too early to describe talks on forming a new government as nearing completion, LSM reported, citing Artūrs Butāns, head of the party’s faction in the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament.

The National Alliance and the United List have agreed on the new government’s tasks and goals, but still need to discuss the allocation of ministerial responsibilities and several conditions for cooperation, Butāns told Latvian Radio.

He said the composition of the government could become clearer over the weekend, but was cautious about the possibility of approving it before the state holidays. The National Alliance is ready for intensive talks and wants an agreement as soon as possible, he said, but the parties must first settle on shared goals, cooperation terms and the division of responsibilities.

Before joining the government, the National Alliance wants assurances that budget cuts will not reduce support for families with children and that defence spending will remain at 5% of gross domestic product. The party also wants Latvia to continue its existing Euro-Atlantic course.

Asked about Latvia First leader Ainārs Šlesers saying his faction would find it difficult to support a government if National Alliance member Jānis Dombrava remained interior minister, Butāns said he took the criticism as a sign that Dombrava was doing necessary work by restricting immigration and severing economic ties with Russia.

The National Alliance is prepared to form a two-party coalition with the United List. It would also accept United List leader and prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs inviting New Unity to join. The National Alliance does not plan to govern in coalition with Latvia First.