Kučinskis: United List and National Alliance close to agreement on some issues in forming government
Māris Kučinskis, head of the United List parliamentary group, says the party is close to agreeing with the National Alliance on certain issues in forming Latvia's new government. He spoke after meeting President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
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In talks on forming Latvia's new government, the United List (AS) is close to reaching agreement with the National Alliance (NA) on certain issues. Māris Kučinskis, head of the AS group in the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, told journalists this on Friday, 13 November, after meeting President Edgars Rinkēvičs. The outcome of the talks will shape which coalition and government will work in parliament going forward.
What was discussed with the president
Kučinskis said the meeting covered cooperation between political forces in the Saeima, the bills to be considered next and how to organise parliament's work. They also discussed which bills the new political cooperation could take over and which should be advanced.
He named the Port Law, which has been under political discussion for some time, as one issue on which the parties still need to agree. The Istanbul Convention, by contrast, is not a priority at present, according to him. "This story does not seem like an issue of that level, there are other issues. It is not the primary issue to return to," the politician said.
Kučinskis stressed that the president made no suggestions about ministers or their candidates during the talks. According to his account, Rinkēvičs emphasised that the new government needs a stable foundation so that it can function and carry out its planned reforms.
Course of the talks
AS, which received the most support in the elections, has taken the lead in the negotiations. So far, it has held particularly active talks with NA, and representatives of both forces have previously said they share a similar long-term vision. Latvian Television reported that AS is continuing active talks only with NA, while New Unity and the Progressives have not been invited to the next round.
A coalition formed by AS and NA would have 51 votes in the Saeima. Ainārs Šlesers, leader of Latvia First, which holds 17 seats in parliament, has also pledged support for such a model.
