The problems of the departing government include weak leadership from New Unity (JV) Krišjānis Kariņš, said the founder of the Combined List (AS) political party Uldis Pīlēns in an interview to LTV programme Rīta panorāma.
Pīlēns said the existing coalition’s work capabilities are directly tied to its leader, but Kariņš aims to secure “a job in Brussels”.
According to Pīlēns, Kariņš failed to comprehend the depth of the crisis in Latvia. When asked why AS did not propose specific solutions and government action models in this situation,
the party’s founder said his party did that during the development of the government’s plan for tasks to be completed.
Pīlēns said – whenever it was found the active coalition “failed to deliver” in some areas, he proposed expanding the government with industry professionals, replacing the weakest ministers.
During the creation of the new coalition, Pīlēns was not offered the seat of the Minister of Economy.
He accused JV of ambivalence, because in bilateral negotiations with AS, partners were praised, but in communication with the media the rhetoric quickly changed.
AS politician said staying in opposition was a difficult decision to make. All members of this party’s Saeima faction supported this decision. He does not allow for the possibility of AS fracturing, even though political competitors are trying to convince some AS and National Alliance members to support the new government.
We entered politics with a position that prevents us from staying on the side lines, said Pīlēns, adding that his party was prepared to continue working in the government and waited until the last moment for JV to “come back to their senses”.
Pīlēns, who was the AS presidential and prime minister candidate, did not clarify on his position in the party.
AS Saeima deputy Igors Rajevs previously said that Pīlēns stands ready to take over after Kariņš and lead the government formation.
The sale of Pīlēns’ owned UPB JSC continues.
Also read: Latvia’s new government slowly taking shape as candidates for minister posts are considered