If parties that compose the ruling government in Latvia fail to agree on coalition’s expansion, Minister of Finance and one of the leaders of Unity political party Arvils Ašeradens is unofficially mentioned as a potential candidate to become the head of the new government.
The minister’s advisor Kristīne Mennika said Ašeradens cannot comment this information at this moment.
On Friday, the 2nd of June, New Unity, Combined List and National Alliance plan to meet to discuss the government’s work after the recent presidential elections.
Relations within the ruling constitutions have become tense after the election of New Unity candidate, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs as the next President of Latvia. One of the main reasons for increased tension is that he was elected with votes from the Union of Greens and Farmers and Progressive Party. No support was received from two coalition parties – Combined List and National Alliance.
Presidential elections activated expectations for a possible expansion of the coalition or changes to the government.
If the coalition is not expanded in the end and the government is instead reformed into New Unity, Union of Greens and Farmers and Progressive Party, one candidate to head this government, according to unofficial information, is Ašeradens. Krišjānis Kariņš, who is Latvia’s current Prime Minister, could take office as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The seat of the minister of finance could go to Jānis Reirs. It is predicted New Unity may retain the posts of minister of education and justice. The party may also take over the post of minister of the interior.
The Union of Greens and Farmers may get the Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development, Ministry of Economics, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Welfare, whereas the Progressive Party may get the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Culture. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Climate and Energy could be part of political negotiations.
Also read: Politologist allows Progressive Party may soften positions to enter the government