Kulbergs plans fewer ministries after election win, but puts economic growth first
Andris Kulbergs, leader of the election-winning Apvienotais saraksts, says that as prime minister he will keep pursuing a reduction in the number of ministries, though he now prioritizes boosting the economy. He rules out a coalition with Latvija pirmajā vietā.
The Apvienotais saraksts (AS) alliance, which has come out on top in the 15th Saeima election, is awaiting final results, while its leader and sitting Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has already outlined priorities for a new government in an interview with Latvian Television's morning show 'Rīta panorāma.'
Kulbergs confirmed he has not abandoned his earlier pledge to cut the number of government ministries, but stressed this is not currently the top priority. He said the more urgent task is achieving a breakthrough in economic growth, arguing that spending cuts alone, without growth, would not be effective — both need to happen together. He added that before eliminating any specific ministries, an economic analysis should determine which structures matter most for the country's development.
Coalition talks
Regarding the formation of a new coalition, Kulbergs said AS would hold talks with all parties that entered parliament, but the key condition for cooperation would be willingness to commit to a course of reform. At the same time, he firmly ruled out forming a coalition with Latvija pirmajā vietā (LPV).
On how ministries might be divided in the next government, Kulbergs said no talks with coalition partners have begun yet, but if he is renominated as prime minister, AS intends to keep the finance minister portfolio. He added that the alliance is ready to put forward candidates for any ministerial post.
Asked whether he fears AS could split during the upcoming Saeima term, Kulbergs expressed confidence in the alliance's unity, pointing to the past four years during which several attempts to divide the party failed.
Election results
According to preliminary data, Latvija pirmajā vietā took second place with 13.1% of the vote, followed by Suverēnā vara/Apvienība jaunlatvieši with 11.71%. The National Alliance received 8.9%, Progresīvie 7.88%, and Jaunā vienotība 6.36%. The Greens and Farmers Union, a partner in the outgoing coalition, received only 4.4% and failed to clear the 5% threshold, meaning it will not enter the 15th Saeima.
