I am convinced we can form a stable government in Latvia for the entire term of the 14th Saeima, but I’m not sure that everyone want that, said New Unity leader Krišjānis Kariņš in an interview to LTV programme Rīta panorāma.
Coalition formation talks continue in Latvia. One of the biggest topics on the table is whether New Unity, National Alliance and Combined list agreed to invite Progressive Party to the government. New Unity does not seem to mind, but the other two object to this due to differences in ideology.
According to Kariņš, the government formation process is in its early stages. This is when tasks and suggestions are regularly put on the table.
Kariņš stressed it is important for him to form a capable government. According to him, the government coalition plans to invite all nationally-minded forces.
He concluded from the talks held so far that the Combined List has a more lenient position when it comes to the prospect of working together with Progressive Party. A meeting is planned with both parties. The National Alliance, however, is more ultimatum-focused. This is not the best form of cooperation in the coalition, stressed the politician.
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Kariņš said he suspects the partially condemning attitude towards the Progressive party can be explained with the unwillingness to share seats in ministries. Ideological differences can be overcome. He stressed there are ideological differences between New Unity and the National Alliance. Each coalition has topics on which the government will have a difficult time agreeing. Kariņš said «we’ve reached an agreement on topics we cannot agree on» at the coalition formation stage.
He described the next Saeima’s opposition as a group that wants to look back at how things were, look in the direction of Russia and the east in general.
On Wednesday, 5 October, political parties will continue their meetings in hopes of forming a new coalition for the 14th Saeima.