Former interior minister Kozlovskis to receive soft MP mandate

RIGA – Saeima today approved the solft MP mandate of former interior minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity).

He will work at the parliament to replace Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity).

A week ago Saeima swore in other eight new MPs who will replace government ministers in parliament with the so-called soft mandate.

The MP mandates have been confirmed for: Janis Iesalnieks (National Alliance), Andris Kazinovskis (New Conservative Party, JKP), Janis Cielens (JKP), Janis Butans (JKP), Dace Bluke (For Development/For), Martins Steins (For Development/For), Atis Lejins (New Unity) and Aivars Geidans (KPV LV).

They will replace in parliament Minister of Culture Dace Melbarde (National Alliance), Education and Science Minister Ilga Suplinska (JKP), Justice Minister Janis Bordans (JKP), Transport Minister Talis Linkaits (JKP), Environmental Protection and Regional Development Minister Juris Puce (For Development/For), Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (For Development/For), Finance Minister Janis Reirs (New Unity) and Minister of Economics Ralfs Nemiro (KPV LV).

Meanwhile, Welfare Minister Ramona Petravica (KPV LV) for a while will perform duties of both – the minister and a parliament lawmakers. She told the press that she has to complete some tasks as an MP.