Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Medicine

Circene said in an interview with LETA that the idea to change the funding model for healthcare was already supported by Valdis Dombrovskis' (Unity) government, however, support for the changes went down after Straujuma was first confirmed the prime minister. Circene stressed that a minister is unable to implement any significant structural reforms without receiving support from the government and prime minister.

Asked whether and who pressured her to resign as the health minister, Circene said that she had made the decision herself. According to Circene, she did not want to continue working with people who were not keeping their promises and agreements.

However, Circene admitted that she had indeed felt pressure during this period. "During Straujuma's first government, the Health Ministry did not receive the necessary support for a stable long-term funding increase and other strategically important matters. Taking into account the various interpretations about the priorities in healthcare and the fact that no constructive cooperation was achieved, I announced on July 7 that it was impossible to continue my efforts working in such a team. Thus, following a political pressure, I resigned," she said.

She also added that she holds no grudge against Unity for "forcing" her to resign. "The problem is not within the party, but with certain individuals," Circene believes.