Andris Kulbergs Schedules Coalition Talks Following October 3 Saeima Elections
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that coalition negotiations to form a new government will begin on October 28, more than three weeks after the country held its 15th Saeima elections on October 3. Kulbergs, representing the United List, initially postponed discussions originally planned for mid-October due to urgent personal business that required him to be out of the country, according to Latvian Public Media.
Upcoming Meetings with National Alliance and New Unity
On October 28, the United List will host back-to-back meetings with its current coalition partners, the National Alliance and New Unity. Latvian Public Media reported that talks with the National Alliance are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. meeting with New Unity. Kulbergs aims to secure the backing of his own political union’s deputies before widening the discussion to other parties represented in parliament, Baltic News Network noted.
Cooperation Principles and Reform Priorities on the Table
The government-formation process will focus first on establishing joint cooperation rules, reform plans, and accountability frameworks rather than dividing ministerial posts, Baltic News Network reported. The proposed change plan addresses structural ministry adjustments, strengthened fiscal discipline, reduced bureaucracy, and economic growth promotion. Jānis Eglīts, an MP for the National Alliance, stated that his party will await the official proposal before speculating on the coalition’s final shape, emphasizing the need to agree on core goals first.
United List Leads Parliamentary Seat Distribution
Kulbergs has not ruled out any governance models, including a minority government, Baltic News Network reported. Following the October 3 elections, official results approved by the Central Election Commission show the United List holding 41 parliamentary mandates. Other parties entering the 15th Saeima include Latvia First with 17 mandates, the Sovereign Power and Young Latvians alliance with 15 mandates, the National Alliance with 10 mandates, the Progressives with 10 mandates, and New Unity with 7 mandates.
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