Dombrovskis names new ruling coalition

Mar 05, 2009
TBT staff in cooperation with BNS

RIGA – Incoming Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has said that the new ruling coalition will consist of five parties – New Era, the People’s Party, the Green’s and Farmers Union, For Fatherland and Freedom and the recently formed Civic Union.

Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way, the party of outgoing Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis, will not be represented in the new government. Godmanis said this does not mean, however, that the party will stand in opposition to ruling coalition decisions.

"We in the party are people that have worked in several governments, we have experience and we are aware of the seriousness of the present situation and the necessity to resolve it fast. If the new government succeeds in this, I will be glad," Godmanis said in an interview with public radio.

Despite criticism that the new coalition was too similar to the old one, the incoming prime minister said that the candidates would be the best choices for the posts.

"Such composition of the government will contribute new faces and would also ensure continuity of the previous government," said Dombrovskis.

THE NEW CABINET

Finance Ministry: Former Prime Minister Einars Repse, New Era

Economy Ministry: MP Artis Kampars, New Era

Transport Ministry: Outgoing Economy Minister Kaspars Gerhards, For Fatherland and Freedom

Foreign Ministry: Current Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, People’s Party

Interior Ministry: Former Defense Minister Linda Murniece, New Era

Justice Ministry: Outgoing Interior Minister Mareks Seglins

Agriculture Ministry: Piebalgas Alus Chairman Janis Duklavs, non-partisan

Welfare Ministry: Welfare Ministry parliamentary Secretary Uldis Augulis

Regional Affairs: Current Regional Affairs Minister Edgars Zalans, People’s Party

Health Ministry: Current Health Minister Ivars Eglitis, People’s Party

Environment Ministry: Current Environment Minister Raimonds Vejonis, Greens and Farmers Union

Education Ministry: Current Education Minister Tatajana Koke, Greens and Farmers Union

Defense Ministry: Ambassador to SpainImants Liegis, Civic Union

Culture Ministry: candidate not yet announced, People’s Party

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