Politics
Latvia gets a new government(update)
Latvia gets a new government(update)
Friday, September 15 saw the Saeima approve a new government for Latvia, headed by Evika Siliņa. In the process, Siliņa becomes only the second woman to become Prime Minister, following Laimdota Straujuma in 2014-2016. 
Latvian Radio scrutinizes Rīga road maintenance contracts
Latvian Radio scrutinizes Rīga road maintenance contracts
After three years of work, the so-called "coalition of change" of the Riga City Council (Rīgas Dome, RD) fell apart this summer, with mayor Martiņš Stāķis surprising many with his sudden resignation. On September 15 Latvian Radio's Atvērtie Faili (Open Files) examined the role that lucrative but secretive road maintenance contracts in the capital might have played in the political turmoil. 
Latvian public gives lukewarm reaction to new coalition
Latvian public gives lukewarm reaction to new coalition
A public opinion survey carried out for Latvian Television's debate show "What's happening in Latvia?" suggests the public finds the prospect of a new three-party coalition little more attractive than the old three-party coalition it replaces. 
Latest party ratings see New Unity's popularity on the wane
Latest party ratings see New Unity's popularity on the wane
The largest political party in parliament, New Unity, has experienced the biggest drop in public support over the last month, according to the regular monthly poll conducted by the SKDS pollster for and Latvian Television.
'Honor to Serve Rīga' to cooperate with ZZS
'Honor to Serve Rīga' to cooperate with ZZS
The Rīga municipal “Honor to serve Rīga” party (GKR) has decided to cooperate with the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) potentially represented in the coalition of the future government, Latvian Television reported on September 6.
Government formation could be clear next week
Government formation could be clear next week
The government formation talks will continue with the aim of approving the next Cabinet of Ministers in the Saeima on Friday, September 15, Prime Minister candidate Evika Siliņa (New Unity) said after a meeting with the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.
Future coalition begins dividing ministerial posts
Future coalition begins dividing ministerial posts
With the future government of New Unity with the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) and Progressives, not only ministers will change, but also Saeima officials – from committee leaders to the Speaker of the Parliament, who could be a ZZS politician, reports Latvian Television on September 5.
Progressives hopeful for new same-sex partnership law
Progressives hopeful for new same-sex partnership law
In the coalition which is in the process of being formed by New Unity, the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) and the Progressives, there is a willingness to work on a new Law on Cohabitation for same-sex persons, according to Progressives leader Kaspars Briškens, speaking on Latvian Television September 5.
Former Rīga councilor could go to prison for Russian war support
Former Rīga councilor could go to prison for Russian war support
After a call to donate funds to Russian occupation forces in Ukraine, the prosecutor's office is seeking a two-year prison sentence for former Rīga City Council deputy Igors Kuzmuks. The trial is still ongoing, Latvian Television reported on September 4.
New Unity has eye on Finance Ministry in new government
New Unity has eye on Finance Ministry in new government
In the government formed by Evika Siliņa (New Unity), the political force would like to retain the post of finance minister, said Edmunds Jurēvics, Vice-President of the New Unity faction, in an interview on Latvian Television September 4.
United List given until Friday to decide on joining coalition
United List given until Friday to decide on joining coalition
Prime ministerial candidate, Evika Siliņa, is waiting until Friday, September 1, for a United List decision on whether to participate in the offered coalition or not, along with New Unity, the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) and Progressives – despite earlier indications that the United List is not interested in a coalition of that composition. 
United List declines Siliņa's four-party coalition offer(update)
United List declines Siliņa's four-party coalition offer(update)
During ongoing coalition negotiations, the United List political grouping on Tuesday received an offer from prime ministerial candidate Evika Siliņa to form a four-party government alongside her own New Unity party and two other parties currently in opposition, namely  the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) and the Progressives. 
Parliament might decide on Rēzekne City Council's dissolution
Parliament might decide on Rēzekne City Council's dissolution
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM) will assess whether the financial crisis in Rēzekne City is the responsibility of the city mayor, executive, or council deputies, but someone will be held accountable, the Minister Māris Sprindžuks (United List) said in an interview with Latvian Radio on August 28.
To-and-fro trading continues over coalition and control of ministries
To-and-fro trading continues over coalition and control of ministries
Negotiations rolled on Monday as efforts continue to form a viable new government coalition, with Latvian Radio reporting that the New Unity party – which is leading the talks via prime ministerial nominee Evika Siliņa – wants control of the Finance, Foreign Affairs and Education and Science ministries.
President entrusts government formation to PM candidate Siliņa
President entrusts government formation to PM candidate Siliņa
The President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs has entrusted the new government formation to the current Welfare Minister, nominee for the post of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity), the president announced after meeting with Siliņa at Rīga Castle on Thursday, August 24.
Political scientist predicts future four-party coalition for Latvia
Political scientist predicts future four-party coalition for Latvia
The formation of a five-party coalition is unlikely, given the National Alliance's clear refusal to cooperate with the Progressives, so the next government will most likely be formed by four parties, namely New Unity, the Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS), the Progressives and the United List, professor of the University of Latvia Juris Rozenvalds predicted on Latvian Television, August 23.
Five parties invited back to Rīga Castle on Wednesday
Five parties invited back to Rīga Castle on Wednesday
After holding talks with all parties represented in Saeima on Monday and Tuesday, President Edgars Rinkēvičs will be welcoming representatives of five of them back to Rīga Castle on Wednesday, August 23 for more talks about whether they'd like to form a government.
Šlesers', Rosļikovs' parties stand against New Unity as coalition driver
Šlesers', Rosļikovs' parties stand against New Unity as coalition driver
The Saeima opposition parties Latvia First and For Stability!, which will meet with the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs on Tuesday, believe the formation of the next government should not to be entrusted to the New Unity party, the parties' leaders Ainārs Šlesers and Aleksejs Rosļikovs told Latvian Television on August 22. 

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