Progressives' leader Šuvajevs doubts opponents can unseat Riga mayor

Andris Šuvajevs, the Progressives' candidate for prime minister, said in an interview on TV3's "900 sekundes" that he does not expect the Riga City Council's ruling coalition to change despite shifting political alignments following the 15th Saeima election.

Šuvajevs noted that the possibility of turbulence in the council had been foreseeable a year ago, when the current coalition was formed. He explained that building an alternative coalition without the Progressives is nearly impossible unless "Latvia First" joins, which would hand direct influence to Ainārs Šlesers, particularly regarding the Waterfront project. Based on current signals from coalition partners — the National Alliance, New Unity and the United List — he sees no appetite for such a change, especially given ongoing uncertainty about how national politics will unfold. He said this leaves the Progressives responsible for convening a coalition meeting to confirm shared goals with its partners.

Won't trade the mayor's seat for government role

Asked whether the Progressives would give up the Riga mayor's post in exchange for a place in the national government coalition, Šuvajevs flatly rejected the idea, saying the party would not pay that price.

Discussing the election results, Šuvajevs suggested that many voters who considered backing the Progressives were actually drawn to United List's prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs personally, rather than to his party as a whole. He said it remains to be seen whether Kulbergs' faction — which brings together 41 lawmakers from three different parties plus associations and members whose political loyalties are not yet fully clear — will act consistently both in the Cabinet and in the Saeima.

Signature drive against Kleinbergs continues

Separately, the Sovereign Power/Union of Young Latvians (SV/AJ) faction is collecting signatures to remove council chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs from office, as confirmed by faction leader Jūlijs Stepaņenko. He cited poor city management, unresolved questions over repairs to the Vanšu Bridge, and an ethics scandal involving former councilman Mārtiņš Eņģelis. Stepaņenko suggested the Progressives may have known about the scandal and concealed it. Signatures have already been submitted by SV/AJ and "Stability!" members, with signatures from "Latvia First" still awaited; 20 signatures are required to call a council session on the removal.

The Progressives, for their part, reported Eņģelis to police after receiving an anonymous email alleging a possible criminal offense by the former councilman, following his earlier departure from both the council and the party.