PM Krišjānis Kariņš’ (New Unity) commitment to expand the coalition was one of the main topics that he discussed with President Egils Levits while meeting in Rīga Palace on Wednesday, the 7th June.
The media reports that Kariņš’ plan is one of the rare issues where the opinions of the prime minister and the president differ.
Levits has indicated that
it is better for the government to continue work in the curret composition of three parties.
The president has objections if the so-called the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), that has close ties with Aivars Lembergs, would return to power: “I believe that it is problematic for a party with oligarchic ties to be in the government coalition.”
After president emphasized his opinion, Kariņš promised Levit not to cooperate with Lembergs.
During the meeting, the participation of the President in the meeting of the heads of state of NATO’s Eastern flank (B9 – Bucharest Nine) in Bratislava and the participation of the PM in the meeting of the European political community in Chisinau were also discussed. Also, during the meeting, Levits and Kariņš discussed other issues of government stability, coalition and relations between opposition parties.
For example, on Thursday, the 8th of June, the New Unity negotiations with the Progressive party are scheduled, although the government’s current partners – the National Alliance and the Combined List – are categorically opposed to them.
Read also: Opinion | Mr. Kariņš, what does your electorate thinks about the deal with Lembergs?