Kulbergs moves briefing of AS lawmakers on new government to Monday as portfolio split stalls talks
Prime minister candidate Andris Kulbergs has postponed briefing his party's lawmakers on the new government until 16 November. According to unofficial information from TV3, the allocation of ministerial portfolios is holding up talks with the National Alliance.
Andris Kulbergs, the prime minister candidate from the United List (AS), has moved the briefing of his party's Saeima deputies on the new government to Monday, 16 November, according to the TV3 news programme. The delay comes as informal consultations between AS and the National Alliance (NA) on forming a government have not yet produced an agreement, and the outcome will determine which coalition governs Latvia.
Dispute over ministries
Unofficial information obtained by TV3 indicates that talks continue this weekend but are not easy. The distribution of ministerial portfolios is causing the complications. The NA wants to be an equal partner and to lead a ministry connected with the national economy. It also insists that Jānis Dombrava (NA) keep the post of interior minister.
The names of ministerial candidates are not yet being officially announced. However, TV3 has learned unofficially that the foreign minister candidate is career diplomat Ģirts Jaunzems, ambassador to Uzbekistan, who is also a classmate of Kulbergs.
Earlier signals
So far, the closeness of the AS and NA positions has stood out in the coalition talks, and representatives of both have stressed a similar long-term vision. Latvian Television has reported that active discussions are mainly taking place between these two parties, while New Unity and the Progressives have not been invited to the next round of talks.
A coalition of AS and NA would have 51 votes in the Saeima. Ainārs Šlesers, leader of the LPV party, has previously pledged support for such a model, but on Friday he said that the participation of certain ministers in the government could complicate his party's backing for the future coalition.
Saeima Speaker Edvards Smiltēns (AS) said earlier that clarity on the coalition model could come by Saturday, 14 November. Kulbergs, for his part, has noted that before any public announcement the sides still need to agree on cooperation terms and prepare the necessary documents.
