Kulbergs Continues Government Formation Talks with LPV

Government formation in Latvia is continuing after the 15th Saeima (parliament) elections. Today Kulbergs, who is leading the coalition-building talks, is meeting the party "Latvija pirmajā vietā" (Latvia First, LPV). In the meeting, LPV wants to hear how Kulbergs envisions the work of the new government. The outcome will help determine which coalition may emerge and what decisions the new cabinet will take.

LPV's arguments

LPV leader Šlesers has pointed out that the "Apvienotais saraksts" (United List, AS) won 41 seats in the election, while LPV won 17. Together, that would give the two forces 58 votes in parliament. According to him, voters of both parties voted for change, so the parties should be able to agree on cooperation.

Šlesers also said LPV would be ready to support a government of professionals if Kulbergs chose that model. He named the main directions of possible change as reorganising public administration, merging ministries and certain institutions, reducing bureaucracy, and forming a government of professionals. In his view, important decisions should be taken within the government's first 100 days. LPV will also put particular emphasis on demographic policy and boosting the birth rate in the talks.

Earlier talks

In the first official round, Kulbergs reached conceptual agreement with "Jaunā Vienotība" (New Unity) and the National Alliance on several directions of change. These are making public administration more efficient, reviewing ministries' functions, putting state finances in order and reducing bureaucracy.

After meeting the "Progresīvie" (Progressives), Kulbergs expressed satisfaction with the understanding reached on several key issues. These are improving the efficiency of public administration, strengthening fiscal discipline and reforming the governance of state-owned companies.

The next round of government formation talks, following the meeting with LPV, is planned for after 4 November.