Analytics, Latvia, Legislation

The latter will head the agriculture, the new joint environment/regional development, education, welfare, transport and health ministries, writes LETA.

Unity's Cabinet posts are finance, foreign affairs, economy, defense, culture, interior and justice.

The candidates for some of the minister offices are not being named but it is clear that Raimonds Vejonis will head the Environment/Regional Development Ministry, and Janis Duklavs the Agriculture Ministry. Both already assume these offices, and are set to continue.

Dombrovskis said that all of the candidates would be named in coming days. Unity's board will confirm its candidates at a meeting tomorrow. He did say that Andris Vilks (Unity-Civic Union) could be finance minister, but Saeima speaker – Solvita Aboltina (Unity-New Era).Talks on the other Saeima Presidium seats and committee chairmen are continuing.

Greens/Farmers' Uldis Augulis, the current welfare minister, is being mentioned as the next transport minister, but he could also remain where he is.

Dana Reizniece, head of the Ventspils High Technology Park and outstanding chess player, is being mentioned as education minister, even though she herself has not publicly shown great interest.

Sources inform LETA that at this time, Unity is unclear on only two ministers.

Agreement has been reached that Civic Union leader Girts Valdis Kristovskis is to be nominated as foreign minister, but Society For Different Politics' Artis Pabriks as defense minister. Aigars Stokenbergs from the same party is to be justice minister, but the choice for finance minister – former SEB banka economist Andris Vilks. Artis Kampars (New Era) would remain as economy minister.

Even though current Interior Minister Linda Murniece (New Era) is considered to be the most realistic choice for the post, no decision has been made yet because of antagonism toward her from the community.

Right now, two persons are being considered to head the Ministry of Culture û the current minister, Ints Dalderis (New Era), and Sarmite Elerte (Civic Union).

The prime minister told a Latvian State Radio talk show this afternoon that indeed Murniece is a candidate, and that Unity will discuss this tomorrow. Despite her blunt communications style and her rejection by voters, she has been a professional minister, said Dombrovskis, predicting that she will continue.

Also, Ints Dalderis was an excellent culture minister, and the premier supports his remaining in office.