Karins to talk to Pabriks about Pabriks' refusal to become acting health minister

RIGA - Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) will talk to Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (For Development/For) who has refused to stand in for the health minister after Karins demanded Health Minister Ilze Vinkele's (For Development/For) resignation; at the same time, Karins said that Pabriks was the most experienced politician in the For Development/For party.

In an interview with TV3, Karins said that usually after a minister resigns an acting minister is appointed from the same party. "If there is a suggestion to change this, we can discuss it," he said.

Karins said that he was considering Pabriks, the most experienced For Development/For politician, for acting health minister. "I haven't talked to him about this, but I will," he explained, adding that this was not the most important issue. It is far more important to reach agreement on the next health minister, stressed Karins.

Vinkele's successor will have to be, just like any other minister, energetic and willing to take responsibility. He or she will have to define priorities and make the entire healthcare sector work to implement these priorities. Karins is ready to consider both political candidates as well as professional candidates who are not members of any political party.

As reported, Karins on Tuesday filed a motion of no confidence in Vinkele and, in line with the cooperation agreement, has called on For Development/For to name a new candidate for the health minister.