Berzins sees problems in coalition, calls for solutions

Jan 24, 2013

Andris Berzins.

RIGA - There are problems in Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis' (Unity) coalition and it is necessary to solve them, President Andris Berzins said in an interview with the LNT television this morning, writes LETA.

As reported, All for Latvia!-For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (VL-TB/LNNK) has called on coalition partners to assess the performance of each minister and the government and, potentially, follow it up with replacements. Unofficially, it is being mentioned that VL-TB/LNNK wants the Reform Party's ministerial posts and there are concerns that this could lead to the government's downfall.

The president pointed out that the assessment may be necessary, but added that the upcoming municipal elections are causing problems, provoking conflicts among coalition partners due to not all of them being united.

Berzins declined to assess Dombrovskis' government to avoid getting caught in the crossfire and being reproached for lobbying a party. The president explained that his criterion for appointing ministers would be their capability of proving themselves in their area of responsibility. This was not taken into account when Dombrovskis' government was being formed and "that is why we are where we are," said the president.

Berzins emphasized that the prime minister is responsible for the government's work. Berzins has already discussed the situation with Dombrovskis, who believes that he will be able to stabilize the government's work and move on. The president sees no point in replacing ministers since their successor will require at least a year to get acquainted with their duties.

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