The coalition remains stable, emphasized Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) on the “Why” program on Delfi TV, commenting on the decision by MP Skaidrīte Ābrama to leave the “Progressive” party’s parliamentary faction.
The Prime Minister underlined that Ābrama has confirmed she will continue to support the coalition on matters of national importance. Siliņa noted that Ābrama demonstrated this by voting against the motion for the Prime Minister’s resignation on Thursday. “The government continues its work, the coalition continues its work, and we are moving forward,” said Siliņa.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that even during budget debates, the number of votes will not be decisive if politicians can communicate and reach agreements. Siliņa pointed out that Ābrama supports initiatives aimed at budget savings.
“If the coalition had fewer than 50 votes, that would be cause for concern,”
she added.
As previously reported, Ābrama left the “Progressive” faction, thereby reducing the coalition’s voting strength in Parliament.
Asked whether this means the coalition has lost her vote, Ābrama replied that it would depend on the specific issues at hand. “My vote has never been absolute on every matter, but I believe that nothing significant will change, as I have always made decisions in a nationally responsible and professional manner,” she said.
She added that she had sometimes voted differently from her faction, but those decisions were justified.
Ābrama stated that in her view, leaving the faction does not impact the coalition’s stability
or the government’s ability to function. “Perhaps this kind of departure actually motivates the government and coalition to think more carefully about certain decisions and proposals,” she said, adding that her leaving the faction does not significantly alter the balance of power, as the issues and decisions involved are of national importance.
After Ābrama’s departure, the “Progressive” faction is left with eight seats. With the support of a few independent MPs, the coalition of “New Unity,” the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the “Progressives” now holds just 51 votes in the Saeima.
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