Rinkēvičs: Government's Work Programme Matters More Than Whether It Is Called a Government of Professionals

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited Kuldīga on 5 November, where he toured the Technology and Tourism Technical School and the Tilts social services centre. In an interview with the regional outlet Kurzemnieks, he explained his views on forming the new government, national security and public preparedness for crises. The topic is current because Andris Kulbergs, the candidate for prime minister, is still working on the cabinet's composition and programme.

Forming the government

Rinkēvičs noted that earlier government formations varied, and that those eight and four years ago were not short either. What is unique, he said, is that a single political force won 41 seats in the election, which indicates voters want change and places great responsibility on it. The president hopes the composition of the government will be clear around the national holiday.

On the idea of a government of professionals, he said the Constitution allows various solutions, and the cabinet may include both members elected to the Saeima and people from outside. In his view, what the government accomplishes matters more. The president had met Kulbergs, who presented his government model and draft declaration, but Rinkēvičs declined to name any ministerial candidates. He named security and defence, foreign policy, demographics and the economy as key tasks.

Security and crisis preparedness

The president acknowledged that the situation is changing quickly: jet-powered drones are appearing more often and warning times are getting shorter. He stressed the need to invest in technology, refine procedures and allow municipalities to act independently. Rinkēvičs has signed a law on so-called national roaming, which will let phones switch automatically to another operator's network in a crisis; it takes effect in the second half of next year. He also pointed to the need for regular drills and to a failure in spring, when the 112 website did not work during an air raid alert.

International processes and the visit

On the US midterm elections, Rinkēvičs said cooperation with both American parties has been good and that US demands for Europe to invest more in defence will not change significantly. Elections are expected next year in France, Italy and Poland. In Kuldīga the president honoured Līna Čanka, a holder of the Lāčplēsis Military Order, and praised the technical school. He also noted that the need for social care services is growing.