Representatives of the new ruling coalition did not rule out the possibility of creating several vice-premier offices during talks today.
The People's Party, the Greens and Farmers Union, as well as the alliance of Latvia's First Party and Latvia's Way told the Baltic News Service that they had considered forming three vice prime minister offices in order to create equal conditions for all partners.
These offices will be taken up by ministers and leaders of the coalition parties. Vice-ministers won't receive extra pay, only their regular ministerial salaries.
Latvia's First Party chairman Ainars Slesers told the Baltic News Service that he might serve as both transport minister and vice-premier, although the coalition had not yet discussed the possibility.
"The coalition must a find a model that enables the government to work for the entire four-year term. A model has to be found to make all four coalition partners feel equal," said Slesers.
People's Party chairman Atis Slakteris told BNS that his party was against creating any artificial offices in the new government. But he added that the option was possible, depending on the coalition's wishes.
Greens and Farmers Union parliament faction chairman Augusts Brigmanis told BNS that the issue had not yet been discussed, but he was favorable to the idea.
The coalition parties may discuss the subject at a meeting tomorrow after they review the results of talks with New Era and the nationalist For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party. Both are being considered as possible coalition partners.
The People's Party, Greens and Farmers Union and Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way have agreed on forming a joint coalition and nominated incumbent Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis from the People's Party as PM also in the new government.
The majority of all three coalition parties want to retain the posts they held in the outgoing government, although there are some differences about certain ministerial portfolios.
