Šlesers calls on Kulbergs to build coalition with LPV and NA
LPV leader Ainārs Šlesers has said the time has come for reconciliation, urging Apvienotais saraksts chief Andris Kulbergs to form a government coalition together with LPV and the National Alliance. He argues such an alliance would ensure a stable parliamentary majority.
Ainārs Šlesers, leader of the Latvia First party (LPV), said on Tuesday during an interview on Latvian Television's "Rīta panorāma" that the time has come for reconciliation, inviting Apvienotais saraksts (AS) leader Andris Kulbergs to agree on a joint coalition that would also include the National Alliance (NA).
Šlesers noted that voters of both AS and LPV expect change, and that a unique opportunity currently exists to form a joint government. He suggested that the foundation of a new government programme would be built on Kulbergs' vision, while pointing out that LPV and AS already share similar views on roughly half of the issues at stake.
Arguments for stability
Šlesers explained that AS itself effectively already functions as an alliance of three parties, and that LPV could help provide such a structure with greater stability. He recalled that LPV holds 17 seats, which he said could help stabilize Kulbergs' party.
According to his calculations, AS together with NA would hold 51 votes, while AS together with LPV would hold 58 votes. He argued this would give the government more flexibility, since if one partner disagreed on an issue, AS could seek a majority with the other.
Concerns acknowledged
Šlesers acknowledged that concerns exist about certain LPV candidates, including Aleksandrs Bartaševičs, but stressed this involves only one deputy, adding that similar concerns about one or two individuals could be raised about any party.
He said he does not want to become a strong opposition force to Kulbergs simply because the incoming government leader will have to make unpopular decisions. Šlesers also suggested the same three parties could form a new coalition at Riga City Council, where a change of coalition is expected soon. At the same time, he said LPV remains ready to serve as a principled, constructive opposition if no coalition deal is reached.
Apvienotais saraksts won Latvia's 15th Saeima election with 41 seats, and six political parties entered parliament.
