Foto: BB.LV / Мелнис
He noted that both ministers have proven themselves well and enjoy public support due to their firm and uncompromising stance on security and foreign policy issues. During the negotiations, 'New Unity' expressed its readiness to once again take responsibility for the areas of defense and foreign affairs, participate in the formation of the next government, and support it. At the same time, Latkovskis emphasized that the party is not making ultimatums regarding ministerial posts. Latkovskis characterized the first negotiations with Kulbergs as open and constructive. Both sides agreed that it is necessary to increase state revenues so that the issue of reducing expenditures takes a back seat, while the need to improve the efficiency of public administration remains. The negotiations also discussed a package of measures to reduce bureaucracy, within which both the Saeima and ministries are reviewing requirements that hinder business activities and the lives of citizens. Latkovskis noted that there has not yet been a detailed discussion of plans during the negotiations. 'New Unity' is ready to continue negotiations after a candidate for the post of prime minister is put forward, he said. As reported, having started the first round of official negotiations on government formation with potential coalition partners on Wednesday, Kulbergs called on the parties to agree on strict fiscal discipline, reforms in public administration, and support for economic growth, emphasizing that the state of public finances in the coming years will be one of the most serious challenges for Latvia. After meeting with representatives of the National Alliance, Kulbergs told reporters that the negotiations were mainly focused on the principles of government operation and responsibility for public finances. He noted that if the current political course is maintained, by 2030 the level of public debt could pose significant risks to the sustainability of public finances.
