United List hopes to name Saeima committee chairs early next week
United List co-chair Edgars Tavars says candidates for chairing Saeima committees could become known early next week. The decisions are closely tied to the formation of the new government.
The political alliance United List (AS), represented in Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, hopes to learn early next week which lawmakers will chair parliamentary committees. AS co-chair Edgars Tavars told the news agency LETA on 10 November. The distribution of committee chairmanships is closely linked to forming the new government, so it affects how work on the next cabinet's composition proceeds.
Tavars said AS has discussed several possible candidates for leading each committee, but no final agreements have been reached. The choice of chairs is being considered together with the possible make-up of the cabinet. Clarity could emerge over the weekend or in the first half of Monday next week, when the nomination of candidates for Saeima committees closes.
Forming the government
In the politician's view, the first half of next week could be decisive. If the likely coalition model is clear by then, talks can move forward; otherwise, progress will be hampered. He suggested that in the coming days it may become clear which political forces will be potential coalition partners. Tavars would like the government to be formed shortly before or right after the national holiday in mid-November, but he said he cannot name a specific date.
Background
It was previously reported that prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs (AS) still hopes the government's line-up will be known by 18 November and possibly approved by the Saeima. Coalition talks have so far not produced a clear answer. Reported scenarios include AS cooperating with New Unity and the National Alliance, a government of AS and the National Alliance, or an AS minority government.
National Alliance politician Jānis Dombrava said Saeima committees should be set up as soon as possible so they can start work. He considers the question of specific committee chairs premature, as it depends directly on how government formation unfolds.
