Suplinska leaves New Conservative Party

RIGA - Education and Science Minister Ilga Suplinska (New Conservative Party, JKP), she said in her Twitter post.

The minister said in a press conference today earlier that if her party recalls her from her ministerial post, she will leave the party. Suplinska said that she is leaving the minister's post because Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) has nominated a new candidate for the minister - Anita Muizniece (JKP) who already has agreed to take up the position.

"Thanks for cooperation. I highly appreciate every member who have acted fairly, bravely and smartly and will continue to work that way," the minister said.

Suplinska took up the post of education and science minister on January 23, 2019, when the entire government formed by Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) took office.

As reported, Latvia's government coalition will continue its work without KPV LV.

Thus, Latvia's government coalition now includes the New Conservative Party (JKP), For Development/For, the National Alliance and New Unity. Karins added that the coalition's agreement to continue work without KPV LV was the "partners' agreement to continue work in a compact manner".

The prime minister informed that with KPV LV leaving the coalition, Marija Golubeva (For Development/For), Gatis Eglitis (New Conservative Party, JKP) and Janis Vitenbergs (National Alliance) have been nominated to take over the ministerial posts previously held by KPV LV members. Anita Muizniece (JKP) will replace Ilga Suplinska (JKP) as education and science minister under an agreement reached by the parties, Karins said.

Until now, KPV LV party controlled two portfolios in Latvia's current government - Sandis Girgens was interior minister and Ramona Petravica headed the Welfare Ministry.

Vitenbergs will return as economics minister, Golubeva will be appointed interior minister and Eglitis will become the new welfare minister.