Green party offered to take over defense ministry

The Greens and Farmers (ZZS) political party have been offered to take  charge of the Defense Ministry, following talks over who will lead new government posts in Latvia.

ZZS party Saeima group head Augusts Brigmanis said the party would make a decision on the offer on Jan. 14.

Earlier,  ZZS rejected Prime Minister designate Laimdota Straujuma's offer for it to take charge of the Education and Science Ministries. Party members explained the reason was that the Education Ministry should be manned by a professional, and there was no such person in their ranks.

Yesterday evening, the board of Unity considered various options, one of which was offering ZZS to nominate the next defense minister, and taking charge of the Education and Science Ministry instead.

Straujuma also come forward with a new proposals for Cabinet seats in the new government on January  9, reports LETA.

According to her plans, the Reform Party would retain the Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry and Economy Ministry. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry would go to All for Latvia!-For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK.

In addition to the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry, VL-TB/LNNK would also head the Justice Ministry and the Culture Ministry, as well as hold the parliamentary secretary post in the Welfare Ministry.

Meanwhile, Unity would continue to head the Health Ministry, Defense Ministry and Finance Ministry, as well as together with the independent group of MPs would take responsibility for the Transport Ministry.