Three-way coalition is logical - ex-president Zatlers

RIGA - Ex-president Valdis Zatlers believes that the decision to form Latvia's next government coalition of three political parties is a logical outcome of the coalition talks. 

Zatlers indicated that such an outcome - a coalition consisting of three and not four parties - is hundred percent logical and that it was clear from the start that Latvia will have a three-party government. 

The ex-president said that the relatively lengthy negotiations with the Progressives and haggling over the number of coalition partners were just an attempt to "save face". 

As reported, after a meeting with President Egils Levits on Monday, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) said that a four-way coalition would have been best for Latvia, because it would mean that no party could feel too comfortable and "have its own way" without discussions, as all four partners would be forced to agree on the best solution for Latvia.

However, knowing that a four-way coalition is impossible because of objections from the United List and the National Alliance, New Unity is proposing the next best option where the Progressives remain outside of the coalition but get a ministerial post.