PM has removed doubts about stability of the coalition, but there are more questions than answers - Smiltens

RIGA - The United List praises the decision by Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) to remove doubt of the stability of the current three-party coalition, Saeima Speaker and one of the leaders of the United List Edvards Smiltens told LETA.

The United List faction, board, ministers are participating in a work seminar today, where they will discuss the work that needs to be done urgently in the country. Representatives of the party union will continue to discuss Karins' proposal for changes in the government on Thursday, Smiltens said.

Regarding the offer of rotation of ministries, the United List has more questions than answers, and they will be asked at the upcoming coalition meeting on Thursday with the participation of Karins. The Speaker of the Saeima drew attention to the fact that the Prime Minister highly appreciates the work of Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Maris Sprindzuks (United List).

Karins' offer envisages that Sprindzuks would be replaced by a New Unity representative, while Joint List would receive the post of Minister of Economy in return.

The prime minister's offer regarding the continuation of work confirms that the current coalition is the most stable, prospective and the most appropriate combination of forces in the 14th Saeima, Smiltens noted.

As reported, in order to make the government work more dynamic, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins has proposed that the politician of the National Alliance Rihards Kols takes the post of Foreign Minister, the United List takes over the Economics Ministry and New Unity - the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry.

This would mean a rotation of ministries among the partners, as currently New Unity is in charge of the Foreign Ministry, the National Alliance is in charge of the Economics Ministry and the United List is in charge of the Environmental Protection and Regional Development Ministry.

The proposal also includes that the New Unity would take over the position of the head of the Saeima national security committee from the National Alliance.

The prime minister also proposes that the New Unity, the United List and the National Alliance sign a memorandum on a number of tasks to be carried out.

In case National Alliance and United List refuse this proposal on Thursday, Karins would be ready to start negotiations on forming another government with the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) and the Progressives.