Political parties New Unity and Progressive Party have very similar views when it comes to legislative topics. However, the two parties have major disagreements when it comes to budget-related topics.
Progressive party does stand in favour of respecting the rule of law and verdicts of the Constitutional Court, as concluded after the meeting held by the two parties on Monday, 12 October.
According to New Unity leader Krišjānis Kariņš, opinions differ mainly on the conditions in which budget deficit would be allowed.
When asked if he still sees a possibility of forming a four-party coalition (New Unity, Combined List, National Alliance and Progressive Party), Kariņš said it is too soon to discuss who will enter the coalition.
The primary priority right now should be discussions of the next government’s work, said the New Unity leader.
In the ongoing coalition formation talks Progressive Party stands in favour of rule of law and respecting the Constitutional Court. At the same time, the party is prepared to abandon several other ideological positions, said the party’s representative Kaspars Briškens after meeting with New Unity’s representatives.
The party is prepared to discuss these and other positions with the Combined List and National Alliance. Informal talks with former may take place on Thursday, 13 October, he said.
Briškens stressed that Latvia’s President Egils Levits previously mentioned that the forming coalition needs to focus on rule of law, economic development, good management, as well as prevent selfish interests.
Progressive Party is prepared to ask potential partners if they respect verdicts of the Constitutional Court and independence of the court justice system in general,
as well as letting independent professionals, not just «people close to power», work in state administration. The position of potential partners in these topics and others will decide if Progressive Party decides to participate in the formation of the government, said the party’s representative.
On 11th and 12th October Progressive Party plans to hold meetings with New Unity. The party plans to meet with the Combined List and the National Alliance later this week.
The role Progressive Party’s faction in the Saeima will play remains unclear.
BNN previously reported that seven political parties were elected to the 14th Saeima: New Unity (26 seats), Union of Greens and Farmers (16 seats), Combined List (15 seats), National Alliance (13 seats), For Stability! (11 seats), Latvia in First Place (9 seats), and Progressive Party (10 seats).
More on this topic: New Unity to meet with three potential coalition partners again