Government coalition talks no longer rule out working with Šlesers' party
In Latvia's talks on forming a new government, AS deputies await Kulbergs' proposal, and a coalition with Šlesers' LPV is now also considered possible. In the first talks Kulbergs pointed to the difficult state of public finances.
Talks on forming Latvia's new government are continuing, and cooperation with the LPV party led by Ainārs Šlesers is no longer being ruled out, according to the programme "De facto". Deputies of AS say they trust Kulbergs, who is putting the government together, and are waiting for his vision of its composition.
Possible coalition partners
Several politicians name the National Alliance (NA) as the preferred first partner, but the two parties together would have only 51 votes in the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. LPV leader Šlesers has said he is ready to support a Kulbergs government. He would prefer to work with AS but also accepts the involvement of the National Alliance.
The potential coalition has points of disagreement. LPV deputy Olga Petkeviča has stated that she will not support the government if Jānis Dombrava of the National Alliance remains interior minister. "Jaunā Vienotība" (New Unity) and the Progressives are also taking part in the talks, though their chances of joining the government remain unclear for now.
Financial situation
In the first talks, Kulbergs stressed the difficult state of public finances. Almost half a billion euros is missing to carry out decisions already adopted in next year's budget. Additional funding is also needed for the airline airBaltic and the Rail Baltica railway project. Politicians warn that unpopular decisions may be necessary.
The next round of talks and the work on forming the government have been postponed for the time being.
