During the 12 October meeting New Unity and Combined List discussed topics on which the two parties have similar views and on which the two parties disagree. The Combined List still insists on a three-party coalition coalition – New Unity, Combined List and National Alliance.
New Unity and Combined List political parties concluded their views coincide on topics related to foreign policy, and that Latvia must continue supporting Ukraine until it wins. They also agree that it is important to maintain sanctions on Russia and Belarus, said New Unity leader Krišjānis Kariņš.
The two parties also share views when it comes to the economy. They agree that it is necessary to promote and assist businesses that manufacture and export goods and services with high added value. The two sides also agree it is important to maintain the current government’s housing availability policy, making dwellings more accessible outside of Riga, Kariņš added.
Parties also agree that the tax system should not be shaken in the middle of a crisis, and that it is primarily necessary to reach an agreement on improvements in this field to reduce grey economy, said the PM.
At the same time, today’s talks outlined three topics on which New Unity and Combined List have different opinions.
New Unity does not agree with Combined List’s opinion regarding potential changes to the country’s Constitutions in relation to the election system. The Combined List, on the other hand, does not approve of New Unity’s position regarding the need to pass the Civil Union Law and ratify the Istanbul Convention, said New Unity’s leader.
The goal of the coalition formation talks is forming a strong government that can secure its residents safety and economic growth, said Kariņš.
Both parties believe crisis management should be improved. However, their beliefs are tangibly different as to the criteria used to identify crises.
Kariņš said during discussions he concluded that what he would describe as everyday government work the Combined List sees as one big, continuous crisis.
New Unity politician said that both with Progressive Party, with which he met on Tuesday, 11 October, and the Combined List there are topics on which they share opinions, and there are other topics in which parties have different opinions. New Unity plans to organize separate talks to discuss specific topics with Progressive Party and Cobined List.
«While in initial headlines there were similarities, a deeper look into one or two topics reveals certain, albeit initially, different opinions. This means we need time to reach a consensus,» said the PM after talks held so far. Kariņš is confident it is possible to reach a consensus.
Combined List politician Edvards Smiltēns mentioned after the meeting with New Unity that
his party still insists of forming a three-party coalition – New Unity, Combined List and National Alliance.
When asked about his personal opinion about Combined List in regards to the three political parties this union is composed of, Kariņš said he would like to hear opinions from deputies elected to the 14th Saeima as well. He is confident these opinions will become clear during talks.
According to Kariņš,the talks have touched on the topic of his party’s proposal for the creation of a new ministry that would be responsible for energy and environment protection. More discussions are planned, he said.
When asked about Progressive Party representative Jana Simanovska’s position she voiced in an interview to LTV programme Aizliegtais paņēmiens regarding child gender identity change, Kariņš said his party and Progressive Party have different views on such topics.
When asked about possible government formation terms, Kariņš said that in accordance with the Constitution President Egils Levits may name the next prime minister candidate no sooner than 1 November, when the 14th Saeima is scheduled to hold its first meeting.
More on this topic: New Unity and Progressive Party disagree over budget topics in second round of talks