Combined List’s and New Unity’s “friendly and constructive” talks do not change their respective positions

On Wednesday, the 24th of May, the Combined List (AS) political party and New Unity (JV) political party met with presidential candidates. Announcements after these meetings, which are described as “friendly, good and constructive”, do not indicate any movement towards a compromise between the two coalition parties in regards to presidential elections.
Regardless of which presidential candidate is elected, AS “will not hold a grudge”, and generally does not link the issue with the coalition’s stability, said AS Saeima faction’s chairman Edgars Tavars said after meeting with JV’s presidential candidate Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Tavars admits the meeting was constructive and useful. AS appreciates the work Rinkēvičs has done in the foreign affairs sector. At the same time, however, the party and the presidential candidate have different views on certain topics, including the direction the national economy should take. Here, according to Tavars, AS’s presidential candidate Uldis Pīlēns is stronger.
Tavars did say it was pleasant to hear that

Rinkēvičs is prepared to continue working as minister of foreign affairs if Pīlēns is elected as president.

When asked to comment on the meeting, Rinkēvičs’ answer was short – “a good conversation”.
The current coalition is the best possible one with the current Saeima, said Uldis Pīlēns after meeting with JV Saeima faction on Wednesday, the 24th of May.
“I believe

this coalition is the best one we can have in this Saeima,

and my priorities would only help it,” said the presidential candidate.
He said the meeting was very good, as he was able to present his vision and receive good and constructive questions.
JV Saeima faction leader Ainars Latkovskis was positive about the meeting. The conversation was “friendly and constructive”, said Latkovskis.
JV faction leader stressed that the upcoming presidential elections are different because now there are three capable candidates. “We, of course, hope the strongest candidate wins. It is Edgars Rinkēvičs,” said Latkovskis.
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