The possible composition of Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš’s second government became known after the Combined List union of political parties announced its minister candidates on Tuesday, 6 December.
New Unity plans to pick Arvils Ašeradens for the post of Minister of Finance, Edgars Rinkēvičs for the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Inese Lībiņa-Egnere for the post of Minister of Justice, Anda Čakša for the post of Minister of Education and Science, Raimonds Čudars for the post of Minister of Climate and Energy, and Evika Siliņa for the post of Minister of Welfare.
The National Alliance has picked Ilze Indriksone for the post of Minister of Economics, Ināra Mūrniece for the post of Minister of Defence, Nauris Puntulis for the post of Minister of Culture, and Jānis Vitenbergs for the post of Minister of Transport.
The Combined List has picked director general of Latvian Employers’ Confederation (LDDK) Līga Meņģelsone for the post of Minister of Health, Didzis Šmits for the post of Minister of Agriculture, Māris Kučinskis for the post of Minister of the Interior, and Māris Sprindžuks for the post of Minister of Environment Protection and Regional Development.
The final decisions as to which candidates will be approved as ministers is to be made by Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš. The Saeima may hold a government approval vote around mid-December.
In his interview to TV3 programme 900 seconds, Kariņš mentioned that he finds the choice of candidates «interesting», adding at the same time that it is unlikely any of them could be rejected.
He said he has not met with all minister candidates yet, but he has plans to do it soon. The PM also said he sees no «insurmountable obstacles that could prevent these people from becoming ministers».
According to the PM, several of the candidates are interesting. He adds their nomination was a surprise for him – in a good way.
For example, Combined List’s candidate for the post of Minister of Health – Līga Meņģelsone – was one such unexpected surprise to him. «She is bright, educated and capable – there are no doubts. How will a person with no experience in politics fare after entering politics? I think it can be done. I have a lot to discuss with her, but I see no reason why she cannot become a successful minister in this field,» said Kariņš.
The PM reminded that the Ministry of Health had experienced people with different experiences and views in the past. There are many challenges in this sector. It is possible a person with management approach and experience could benefit the reorganisation of the healthcare system, said the head of the government.
Kariņš also said it will be a challenge to work with a 54-deputy coalition in the 14th Saeima. The parliament will have to «adjust» decisions made by committees, the politician said. He plans to present the composition of the government to the 14th Saeima on the 14th of December.