Vitenbergs re-appointed economics minister; promises to complete started work

RIGA - Saeima today re-appointed Janis Vitenbergs (National Alliance) as economics minister.

Vitenbergs had served as economics minister for about a year before losing his post in May after changing party affiliation from KPV LV to the National Alliance, which led to a disagreement between the two parties.

However, after KPV LV left the government coalition on Wednesday, this paved the way for Vitenbergs to return to office.

Vitenbergs is determined to complete the work started and facilitate the availability of housing, Vitenbergs admitted at today's Saeima sitting before being approved.

Addressing MPs, Vitenbergs highlighted the previous achievements in connection with the Covid-19 crisis by creating various support programs for companies and employees, as a result of which the future growth trends of the Latvian economy have improved.

"If the Saeima supports me today, the new Vitenbergs will have the opportunity to complete what the old Vitenebrgs has started," the politician emphasized.

Among the work to be accomplished as a minister, Vitenbergs highlighted the issue of housing affordability. He acknowledged that the 40 million euros available from the European Union Recovery Fund will not completely solve the availability of housing, but together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and the Ministry of Finance, work has begun to develop a comprehensive fund.

Vitenbergs also stressed that his task will be to promote exports. According to him, Latvia's export portfolio needs to be improved, therefore work is already underway to establish a fund for the development and creation of large investment projects.