Riga needs broad coalition, not fragile coalition made up of 34 councilors - Slesers

RIGA - Riga City Council needs a broad coalition, not a fragile coalition made up of 34 councilors from four parties, Ainars Slesers, leader of the Latvia First party, said in an interview with TV3 on Monday.

In Slesers' opinion, what is missing at the moment is a discussion about economic growth and measures necessary to prompt economic development of Riga. He also believes that residents of Riga have made it clear that they want Sleers to become mayor.

Slesers is confident that a broader coalition needs to be formed at Riga City Council, and that all those who have ideas how to ensure economic development in Riga need to come together.

"If a strong, broad coalition is not agreed upon, 34 votes will not be enough," predicted Slesers.

In his opinion, the Progressives' candidate for Riga mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs will not be elected because this will be strongly opposed by the National Alliance.

In an interview with Latvian Television, Slesers said he was sure that the coalition talks started by Kleinbergs on Monday would fail and Kleinbergs would not be elected mayor of Riga.

At the same time, Slesers said that he would be ready to lead a coalition made up of Latvia First, the Progressives, the National Alliance, New Unity and the United List.

If not, Latvia First will be a "very powerful opposition" that will "take people to the streets if necessary". "Because in principle, campaigning for the next Saeima elections begins today. I propose that we work together for the good of Riga and Latvia. If not, we will demand a change of power in the country and I will lead this process," said Slesers.

"What I said in this interview today is my offer to those four parties," said Slesers.

Slesers also said that he would be Latvia First candidate for prime minister in the next Saeima elections.