Latvia, Legislation

Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity) offered a different division of ministerial seats as her previous proposal, but an agreement was not reach amongst the coalition partners. At the same time, the partners agreed to begin drawing up the new government declarations.

The next meeting between coalition partners is scheduled for Monday, October 20.

Unity leader Solvita Aboltina informed members of the press that a final agreement on the division of ministerial posts was not made today, but that the coalition partners have agreed on beginning to draw up the government declaration, so at least this moves forward.

Meanwhile, Straujuma said that the declaration must be very specific on the work that must be completed. She also said that a compromise should be found regarding the division of ministerial posts, as none of the party's are budging from their positions.

None of the coalition partners revealed the ministries or posts on which they failed to reach an agreement. The parties heard the prime minister's compromise proposals, and then discussed the proposals amongst themselves. Later, the Greens/Farmers and VL-TB/LNNK made counterproposals, which were also turned down.

Aboltina added that VL-TB/LNNK would like to take the post of Saeima speaker, and that MP Inara Murniece (VL-TB/LNNK) could be a suitable candidate. Meanwhile, Straujuma added that the Greens/Farmers have agreed to head the Economy Ministry.

As reported, President Andris Berzins on Wednesday expressed support for new ruling coalition made up of the current coalition parties – Unity, Union of Greens and Farmers, and All For Latvia-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK, with the three parties pledging that they are prepared to form the next government to be led by the current Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity).