The Progressives are ready to work in the same team with New Unity (JV), said Viesturs Kleinbergs, the Progressives’ candidate for mayor of Riga, following today’s coalition-building talks at Riga City Council.
According to Kleinbergs, the two political forces share a common vision on many issues related to the city’s development.
“Riga needs bold ideas and decisive action. After a conversation with Vilnis Ķirsis (JV), we agreed that we are ready to work as a team in the interests of Riga’s residents,” Kleinbergs stated.
Ķirsis also described the talks as successful. The discussion focused on policy priorities and ongoing projects, which will be supplemented with New Unity’s proposals.
Positions and posts were not discussed, but New Unity expressed interest in continuing the work initiated during the outgoing council term.
Currently, New Unity oversees five council committees: Finance and administrative affairs (automatically under the mayor’s authority), Transport, Public safety, Urban development, and Education.
Ķirsis admitted that while much has been accomplished in the transport sector, and many projects are underway that New Unity would like to finish, retaining control over transport is not a “red line” for the party.
He also acknowledged that some of the past disagreements between JV and the Progressives have been resolved and set aside.
Kleinbergs echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the Progressives are focused on the future, and he does not expect previous tensions to hinder cooperation in the new coalition.
As reported, today’s meeting between the Progressives and New Unity is part of ongoing coalition talks following the municipal elections in Riga.
On Monday, the Progressives met with the National Alliance (NA), and a meeting with the United List (AS) is scheduled for Wednesday.
According to results from the Central Election Commission, the party Latvia First (LPV) received the most votes in the Riga municipal elections, closely followed by the Progressives and NA.
With all precincts counted, LPV received 18.17% of the vote, earning 13 out of 60 seats in the council. The Progressives received 16.62% (11 seats), NA 14.2% (10 seats), and New Unity (JV) received 12.9% (9 seats).
“Sovereign Power/Union of Young Latvians” (SV/AJ) received 12.13%, likely earning them eight seats. Two more parties entered the council: Stability! with 6.94% (five seats), and the United List (AS) with 6.29% (four seats).
The Progressives have taken the lead in forming a new ruling coalition, holding talks with NA, JV, and AS. This potential coalition would control 34 of the 60 seats, securing a majority.