Kulbergs: All Options Remain Open for New Latvian Government
Andris Kulbergs, the Saeima deputy informally tasked by the president with starting consultations on a new government, says no coalition model has been ruled out. He wants to learn whether parties will drop campaign promises that lack funding.
All options for the make-up of Latvia's new government remain possible, Saeima deputy Andris Kulbergs of the United List (AS) said on Latvian Television's morning programme "Rīta panorāma". President Edgars Rinkēvičs has informally entrusted him with starting consultations on forming the Cabinet of Ministers, and the president plans to formally invite him to assemble a government today.
Talks with parties
In the first round of talks, Kulbergs stressed the seriousness of the country's financial situation. He tried to find out whether the parties are ready to give up promises made to voters that have no financial backing. He does not yet have clear answers and hopes to receive them in the next round of talks with Saeima factions.
On timing, Kulbergs said he would like to be able to present a model for the new government by Latvia's national holiday. He dismissed talk that the make-up of the Saeima Presidium could signal the future coalition, saying it should not reflect anything. Asked about a government of professionals, he acknowledged that, if this route is taken, not all ministers would definitely be professionals.
Budget
In the most optimistic scenario, adoption of next year's state budget in the Saeima could finish in mid- or late January. Kulbergs intends to move the draft budget forward in one package with all the necessary reform issues, which need longer preparation.
Formal nomination
Rinkēvičs announced in early October that Kulbergs should form the government. Formally, however, the president names a prime ministerial candidate only after the outgoing government has resigned. The newly elected Saeima held its first session on Tuesday, and soon afterwards Kulbergs' caretaker government announced it was stepping down. Kulbergs noted that he can formally start negotiations only after being officially nominated.
In the elections to the 15th Saeima, AS won 41 seats, Latvia First (LPV) 17, the Sovereign Power/Alliance of Young Latvians bloc 15, the National Alliance and the Progressives 10 each, and New Unity seven.
