Saeima could approve next government in several weeks - Karins

RIGA - In the next few weeks, the parties forming the next government could complete work on the government declaration, meaning that a vote in Saeima on the composition of the new Cabinet of Ministers could take place after that, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told members of the press today.

Currently, New Unity, the United List and the National Alliance are still working on a government declaration, which has not yet been completed and which will have to be worked on throughout the rest of the week and, if necessary, next week as well, said Karins.

The Prime Minister predicts that within a few weeks he will have the opportunity to present the full composition of the government to the Saeima for approval.

Karins repeatedly expressed that the main goal of the next government will be to achieve a broad transformation of the economy. In order to achieve this, it will be necessary to work in several areas, including security, education, energy, competitiveness, as well as improving the quality of life of residents, the politician said.

The New Unity leader stated that the work on creating the declaration will continue every day, possibly even holding several meetings a day. Work will be done on rapprochement of views in order to crystallize the main tasks to be done for the wider transformation of the economy, the politician said.

"The main thing is that we agree on a valid and good program," said Karins, emphasizing that it is better to discuss a day or two longer in order to achieve the result the country needs, than to rush the process. Asked about the United List's concerns about the environmental field being reflected in the declaration, the prime minister expressed confidence that a compromise would be found and reminded that most of the environmental field will remain under the control of the current ministry.

The environment is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development. This ministry is planned to be transformed into the Ministry of Regional Development and Digital Affairs and it is expected to be headed by a representative of the United List.

As reported, President Egils Levits today officially nominated New Unity politician and current Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins for the post of Prime Minister.

Levits announced the nomination of Karins at a press conference today, adding that he will sign the relevant document later in the day.