Indriksone: National Alliance's path from opposition to four minister posts
Education and Science Minister Ilze Indriksone, whom the National Alliance named as its prime ministerial candidate late last year, discussed party policy and migration issues in an interview. The party spent most of the 14th Saeima term in opposition but gained four minister posts in the new government in May.
The National Alliance (NA) spent most of the current 14th Saeima term in opposition, but after a change of government this past May, the party secured four minister posts in the new cabinet. One of those ministers is Ilze Indriksone, who now heads the Ministry of Education and Science.
Late last year, the party had put Indriksone forward as its candidate for prime minister, though another politician ultimately took that post while NA was allocated other portfolios. In an interview with journalist Jānis Domburs, the minister spoke about the party's political programme and its current priorities.
National identity and migration
The conversation touched on NA's understanding of "Latvianness" and how that concept is reflected in the party's policies. Indriksone also shared her views on migration issues, including attitudes toward face-covering in public spaces.
EU funds and coalition dynamics
The interview also addressed the party's approach to absorbing and using European Union funds, as well as NA's communication and negotiating style within the coalition — including its tendency to rely more often on ultimatums when dealing with coalition partners.
The interview illustrates NA's shift from an opposition party to a governing coalition member, along with the challenges of implementing its programme from a ministerial position.
