New energy ministry will not increase number of civil servants but will structure activities in this area - Levits

RIGA - The new energy ministry will not increase the number of civil servants but will structure activities in this area, President Egils Levits told journalists following a meeting with Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) on Monday. 

"New Unity's proposal on the Energy, Environment and Climate Ministry does not mean a higher number of state officials or civil servants. Instead, it will provide the right structure to the responsible departments currently working under various ministries by uniting them into one ministry," the president said. 

As reported, the United List and New Unity will this Wednesday continue talks on New Unity's proposal to set up a new energy ministry by merging other ministries' departments dealing with energy and environmental matters. The proposal remains the only unresolved disagreement between New Unity and the United List, whose representatives object to creating such a new ministry. 

Three political alliances - New Unity, United List and the National Alliance - have been holding talks to form Latvia's next government coalition.