Šuvajevs criticises idea of cutting travel discounts for people with disabilities

Andris Šuvajevs, chair of the Saeima faction of the party "Progresīvie" (The Progressives), said on Latvian Television's morning programme "Rīta panorāma" on 6 November that he is sceptical about appointing sector professionals without political experience as ministers in the new government. He also criticised the Transport Ministry's considered proposal to reduce fare concessions for people with disabilities. The remarks come while government formation after Latvia's 15th Saeima election is still under way.

On ministerial candidates

Šuvajevs said a minister must be able to represent a sector in many different settings and balance competing interests. In his view, understanding a sector well does not mean a person will make a good politician. He did not rule out assessing each case individually, noting there may be people with no political background who would cope well with a minister's duties.

On budget revenue

The politician criticised several ideas that have surfaced for raising budget revenue. He said he can accept unpopular but fair decisions, but cutting concessions for people with disabilities would not be fair. In his words, the financial difficulties of "Liepājas autobusu parks", a company indirectly owned by Ainārs Šlesers and Andris Šķēle, would then be solved at the expense of people with disabilities. He said the Progressives are ready for unpopular decisions but will make sure they are fair.

He also noted that delays in forming the government mean delays in adopting next year's budget. It is not yet clear, he said, whether the Progressives will get a meaningful chance to take part in budget talks and influence them.

How government formation stands

After the 15th Saeima election, won by the "Apvienotais saraksts" (United List), President Edgars Rinkēvičs tasked its prime ministerial candidate, Andris Kulbergs, with forming a government. Kulbergs has not publicly described the cabinet model he intends, but has made clear he will not work with the alliance "Suverēnā vara/Apvienība jaunlatvieši".

In the election, the United List won 41 seats, "Latvija pirmajā vietā" 17, "Suverēnā vara/Apvienība jaunlatvieši" 15, the National Alliance and the Progressives 10 each, and "Jaunā vienotība" (New Unity) seven.