To implement the ruling coalition’s priorities, additional austerity measures may be necessary, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) said in an interview with TV3.
The Prime Minister explained that ministries have fulfilled their task and submitted proposals to save 150 million euros in next year’s budget. However, this amount may be insufficient if politicians wish to allocate extra funds for reforming the school financing model and introducing new demographic support measures.
Siliņa also acknowledged that some of the proposed savings by ministries may not receive parliamentary support during the budget review process.
She noted that the biggest challenge will be identifying potential savings in 2027 and 2028, when discussions could become more complex, involving potential institutional mergers or staff reductions.
The Prime Minister added that
independent state institutions, such as courts, have also been encouraged to participate in cost-cutting efforts,
but she has not yet received confirmation that they will do so.
Asked whether state funding for political parties should be reduced under these circumstances, the New Unity leader responded that “this is not the only resource.” According to Siliņa, reducing party funding could lead to a situation where parties are again forced to seek external financing and become influenced by a narrow group of individuals. She believes the current model ensures greater democratic integrity.
According to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), state funding is currently provided to 13 political parties, totaling 6.63 million euros this year. New Unity is allocated approximately 1.12 million euros, the Union of Greens and Farmers just under 0.9 million euros, and the United List receives over 0.8 million euros.
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