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Ainars Slesers.

Slesers indicated that negotiations had taken place between the parties, and agreement had been reached over cooperation in the Saeima on certain issues for promoting economic development, for example, residency permits for citizens of third countries, and reduced VAT rates for the tourism and catering industries.

The deputy mayor of Riga stressed that the first steps in cooperation had been successful, and it just remained to agree on what else the two parties could achieve in the six months until the elections.

Slesers indicated that the political environment is set to change, as in the near future many employers and business-people will announce their entry into politics.

"A serious movement has begun. In the coming weeks, society will find out which business-people are planning to enter politics. The decisions have already been made, but have not yet been made public," repeated Slesers, adding that "this will have an effect on this process of consolidation."

According to the LPP/LC leader, if the People's Party wishes and is able to join this new movement, it will be possible to speak of an alliance of the two parties. "I, as party leader, am ready to support this movement, which will result in a large alliance. The question is whether my party will be able to take part in this movement," he added.

Slesers stressed that his involvement or non-involvement in Saeima elections will be decided by the LPP/LC congress. "I am a candidate for the post of prime minister. If the party decides that I should continue to work in Riga City Council, than that could also happen," said the deputy mayor.