PM-designate Kulbergs unveils Latvia’s new government lineup

Latvia’s Prime Minister-designate Andris Kulbergs has unveiled the composition of the country’s new government, outlining a coalition arrangement that retains partial continuity with the outgoing cabinet led by Evika Siliņa.

According to Delfi, five of the 14 ministerial positions in the incoming government will continue to be held by representatives from the previous administration.

The governing coalition will consist of four political forces: the United List (AS), the National Alliance (NA), the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), and New Unity (JV). Under the agreed distribution, each party will control four ministerial portfolios. In addition, Daiga Mieriņa of the ZZS will remain Speaker of the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament.

Kulbergs’ United List (AS) will delegate three ministers to the cabinet, including Māris Kučinskis as Minister of Finance, Edvards Smiltēns as Minister of Justice, and Edgars Tavars as Minister of Regional Development.

The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) will be represented by Viktors Valainis as Minister of Economy, Reinis Uzulnieks as Minister of Welfare, and Uldis Augulis, who will assume the post of Minister of Agriculture.

The National Alliance (NA) will take charge of four key ministries, appointing the ministers responsible for the interior, education and science, culture, and climate and energy.

Meanwhile, New Unity (JV) will retain several senior positions in the government. Baiba Braže will continue as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hosams Abu Meri as Minister of Health, Raivis Melnieks as Minister of Defence, and Rihards Kozlovskis as Minister of Transport.

By Tamilla Hasanova