President Levits appoints Kariņš as official Prime Minister candidate

Take note – story published 1 year ago

The President of Latvia Egils Levits will sign an order to officially entrust the formation of the new government to the current Prime Minister and coalition negotiator Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity), the president said in a press briefing on November 22.

On Tuesday, Kariņš and Levits met to discuss the ongoing formation of the new government and the first draft of the government declaration. The declaration outlines jobs and promises of the government in priority areas, including security and foreign affairs, education, energy independence, climate and environment, competitiveness, and welfare.

Levits said it was clear that the coalition was "stable enough" and had common goals. "The basis in the first draft [..] could bring serious improvements if met," said Levits.

The President is planning to sign an order recommending Kariņš as a candidate for Prime Minister's office, entrusting him with the formation of the Cabinet and its submission to the Saeima for approval. 

"The work since the Saeima elections has not been easy but it has resulted in a new coalition. This coalition has workability and the good will to work together in favor of our country for the next four years," said Levits.

Kariņš said: "The main thing is that we are all getting on the same boat, we have turned in the same direction and we are starting to row. Not all in sync yet, but getting closer to it."

According to Kariņš, the Cabinet will be ready in "a couple of weeks".

"The main thing is that we agree on a good and valuable program. It is better to debate a day extra and have results, not rush and end up with no result."

Negotiations on the formation of a coalition have been ongoing since Saeima elections on October 1. The prospective three-party coalition will consist of New Unity, the National Alliance and the United List, and will control 54 seats in Latvia's 100-seat parliament, the Saeima. 

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