At a meeting of the Saeima’s Budget and Finance (Tax) Committee, deputies today supported the draft decision on approving a state short-term loan to the national airline airBaltic, after reconsidering the issue.
During the meeting, Transport Minister Atis Švinka once again emphasized the importance of the company and the need to support it. He also stated that he bears political responsibility for any decisions and potential mistakes. “I take full responsibility for the process, for the actions, and for the plan we are currently advancing,” the minister stressed.
Opposition MP Kristaps Krištopans asked before the vote what consequences would follow if the loan is not repaid on time. In response, Švinka reiterated that he assumes full responsibility for the plan and its implementation.
Coalition MP Uldis Augulis highlighted that it is still unclear how the loan will be repaid and criticized the lack of access to all available information, noting that part of it remains classified.
As previously reported, disagreements among the parties in the government led by Evika Siliņa had escalated to the point where she did not rule out the government’s collapse, due to the inability of New Unity, The Progressives, and Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) to agree on support for airBaltic.
In the end,
a majority of committee members supported the draft decision granting parliamentary approval for the loan.
It is expected that the Saeima will consider the issue later today in a plenary session.
Previously, ZZS parliamentary members insisted on a “three-point proposal,” including the resignation of Švinka, as a condition for supporting the 30 million euros loan to airBaltic.
The proposal required a clear plan on how airBaltic would achieve profitability, Švinka’s resignation before the parliamentary vote as a sign of political responsibility, and Evika Siliņa taking political responsibility for ensuring the airline’s profitability plan is implemented.
Meanwhile, The Progressives stated they would not consider ZZS’s proposal, while New Unity called for coalition talks to agree on further cooperation.
During talks held on Thursday morning, coalition partners ultimately agreed to continue working together. As Siliņa told the media, the agreement stipulates that Švinka must ensure that airBaltic becomes a profitable company. Otherwise, he will have to take responsibility, the Prime Minister emphasized.
Siliņa also noted that the Ministry of Transport needs to be reorganized, as “many tasks are stalled” and not progressing. She expects the reorganization to take place in the near future.
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