The Kulbergs government's performance over first 100 days has been mixed, but overall direction is positive - political expert

RIGA - The performance of Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' (United List) government over its first 100 days has been met with mixed reviews, though the overall direction is positive, political scientist Juris Rozenvalds told LETA.

In assessing the Kulbergs government's first 100 days, Rozenvalds noted that the government's performance has been met with mixed reviews, but he highlighted as a positive the prime minister's distinct communication style compared to that of his predecessor, Evika Silina (New Unity), whose communication, in his view, had been ineffective. The political scientist noted that the prime minister communicates actively, responds promptly, and makes active use of social media. In his view, the public appreciates this, and it may have largely contributed to the rise in the poll numbers of the United List.

Rozenvalds highlighted the government's achievements in the area of security, noting that Latvia has taken a step forward in how the country responds to security challenges. He reminded that one of the reasons that led to the fall of the Silina government was incidents involving drones, whereas now there is a response, as drones are being shot down. Rozenvalds assessed that Defense Minister Raivis Melnis' experience in Ukraine may have played a positive role.

He also noted that cooperation between the National Armed Forces and agencies of the Ministry of the Interior has been successful in resolving the situation at the national border.

Rozenvalds cited the situation surrounding the national airline airBaltic as another positive development. Although there is no complete clarity about its future, in his view, the situation has at least been temporarily stabilized.

At the same time, the political scientist emphasized that the Kulbergs government is a pre-election government, as it was formed three months before the Saeima elections. Consequently, in his view, the government's actions are closely tied to the expected election results. Specifically, the proximity of the elections significantly determines both what this government does and what it does not do.

Speaking about the Kulbergs government's work, Rozenvalds cited the discussions on the plan to restrict immigration as an example. In his view, these discussions contain elements of a political spectacle staged by the National Alliance which was well aware that the Cabinet of Ministers would not approve an uncoordinated document but submitted it anyway.

The political scientist noted that the prime minister had justifiably objected to such behavior, after which the National Alliance responded with criticism and accusations of insufficient concern for national security. In his view, a concrete solution to the issue will most likely be found, but the discussion itself has been largely shaped by the pre-election atmosphere and the political forces' desire to make a name for themselves.

Speaking about the government's shortcomings, Rozenvalds pointed out that the government's action plan contains more than 150 points, and nearly two-thirds of them have a deadline of October 1. Clearly, this indicates that it will be too late to accomplish anything by then, said the political scientist.

As another shortcoming that, according to Rozenvalds, will affect everyone, he cited the lack of clarity regarding the principles for drafting next year's state budget. Although such clarity had been promised earlier, it remains unclear how the government plans to proceed - whether it intends to cut spending, raise taxes, or pursue other solutions.

Summarizing the government's first 100 days in office, he noted that it still has much work to do this month, including on education issues that have caused turmoil within the coalition, as well as in assessing the aftermath of the storm, improving the system, and strengthening cybersecurity.

Overall, in Rozenvalds' assessment, the government's work has seen both achievements and serious shortcomings. Although one cannot say that things are quite good, the overall direction is positive, said the political scientist, adding that there are also serious shortcomings that the government needs to address.

Assessing Kulbergs' prospects of becoming prime minister again after the elections, Rozenvalds noted that current trends in party ratings indicate a strong position for the United List. In polls conducted by both SKDS and Latvijas Fakti, the party currently holds a lead with a noticeable gap over its competitors.

In his view, the United List could take over the role of the largest political force from New Unity after the elections and gain a similar level of voter support as New Unity received in the 2022 Saeima elections. In that case, Kulbergs' chances of becoming prime minister again would be high, the political scientist said.

"Of course, it will depend on how the votes are distributed and what the potential coalition looks like," said Rozenvalds, adding that this will become clear on the morning of October 4.

As previously reported, the Saeima confirmed Kulbergs as prime minister and his government on May 28; thus, September 4 will mark the 100th day since this government took office.

Saeima elections are scheduled for October 3.