New Unity confirms to Rinkevics readiness to lead talks on broader coalition

RIGA - Representatives of New Unity during a meeting with President Edgars Rinkevics on Monday confirmed the party's readiness to undertake the leading role in talks on a new broader government coalition, Welfare Minister and New Unity's candidate for prime minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said after the meeting with the president.

Latvia's future government does not have a clear core at the moment, and New Unity is therefore working to form as broad coalition as possible, Silina noted.

Negotiations on the formation of Latvia's next government are being held with the United List, the Union of Greens and Farmers, the National Alliance and the Progressives, Silina said.

Siliņa also indicated that New Unity was ready to work on a number of goals defined by the president. The political alliance is also committed to improving the quality of life and working towards the ambitious goal for Latvia to achieve the EU's average welfare level by 2030.

New Unity's prime minister-nominee said that if the president entrusts her with forming Latvia's next government, she also sees internal and external security, affordable healthcare and high-quality education as important goals.

As regards the Public Utilities Commission's (regulator) role, it would be necessary to consider a more frequent revision of electricity distribution tariffs. It is also important that banks provide appropriate conditions for their customers, Silina added.

As reported, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) tendered resignation last Thursday, August 17. President Rinkevics has invited all political parties represented in the Saeima to political consultations this week.