The parties forming the new government, whose approval will be voted on by the Saeima on Thursday, together hold at least 66 votes in parliament, ensuring a convincing majority, according to calculations by the LETA news agency.
The largest faction in the coalition is New Unity (JV) with 25 deputies, while the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) has 16 seats, the United List (AS) has 13, and the National Alliance (NA) has 12 deputies.
At the same time, the coalition’s support base is even larger, as ZZS is also backed by Oļegs Burovs and Andrejs Ceļapīters.
In addition, independent Saeima deputy Igors Rajevs could also support the new government.
As previously reported, President Edgars Rinkēvičs entrusted the formation of a new government to Andris Kulbergs (AS) following the collapse of Evika Siliņa’s government.
Kulbergs’ United List has nominated Māris Kučinskis for Finance Minister,
Edvards Smiltēns for Justice Minister, while Edgars Tavars is prepared to lead the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development.
From New Unity, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri will retain their posts. National Armed Forces Colonel Raivis Melnis will be nominated for the position of Defence Minister, while current Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis is set to become Transport Minister.
The National Alliance will oversee the Ministries of Education and Science, Culture, Interior, and Climate and Energy. The party board has nominated Saeima deputies Ilze Indriksone, Nauris Puntulis, Jānis Dombrava, and Jānis Vitenbergs for these ministerial positions respectively.
From ZZS, Economy Minister Viktors Valainis and Reinis Uzulnieks will retain their posts, while former Welfare Minister and current Saeima deputy Uldis Augulis will become Agriculture Minister.
ZZS member Daiga Mieriņa will also remain Speaker of the Saeima.
The State Chancellery has explained that Siliņa’s government’s mandate will officially end once the Saeima approves the new Cabinet of Ministers.
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