LPP/LC to support government

RIGA - Latvia's center-right "Latvia First/Latvia's Way" (LPP/LC) political faction has said it will support the minority government until the elections later this year.

Party leader Ainars Slesers said they would support the Valdis Dombrovskis-led government, headed by "New Era", thereby giving the ruling coalition a majority in parliament.

"We have voted for this government, and will support it in the future, therefore the government can reckon with a majority of votes in Saeima," he said.

The ruling coalition was recently forced into a minority position by the pullout of the People's Party, the largest political party in the country.

It is not clear whether LPP/LC will take an official place in the ruling coalition by claiming ministerial portfolios. It is expected to announce on April 12 what form its cooperation will take.

The ruling coalition has also decided to liquidate the Regional Development and Local Government Ministry.