AS leader Kulbergs: economic growth takes priority over cutting ministries
Following AS's decisive win in Latvia's 15th Saeima election, party leader A. Kulbergs says the party will not form a coalition with Latvia First, and that boosting the economy must come before any reduction in the number of ministries.
No coalition with Latvia First
In an interview with Latvian Television's "Rīta panorāma," Apvienotais saraksts (AS, United List) leader A. Kulbergs said the party is open to talks with all parties elected to the Saeima, but any coalition partner must be willing to commit to genuine change. He ruled out forming a government with Latvia First (LPV), arguing that the promises made by the party and its leader Ainārs Šlesers cannot realistically be fulfilled. Kulbergs repeated this stance in an interview with TV3's "Nekā personīga," adding that voters had cast their ballots for change rather than along ideological lines. He declined to discuss a potential continuation of the coalition with previous partners, the National Alliance and New Unity, saying that decision still needs to be made within his own party.
Growth before cutting ministries
Asked about planned austerity measures, Kulbergs confirmed he still intends to reduce the number of ministries, but said this should not be the current priority - strengthening the economy must come first. Spending cuts are necessary, he said, but cannot happen without economic growth; both are needed together. Before merging or abolishing ministries, he argued, a thorough economic analysis is needed to determine what matters most for Latvia's growth. Kulbergs said the distribution of ministerial posts in the next government has not yet been discussed with party colleagues, though if he is renominated as prime minister, AS should keep the finance portfolio, while also being ready to propose candidates for other ministries.
Confidence in party unity
Asked whether he fears AS could fracture during the next Saeima term, Kulbergs said the past four years proved the party's resilience, as several attempts to split it had failed. In a video statement posted on Sunday, he noted that AS achieved its best-ever result in the 15th Saeima election and pledged to put state interests above personal ones, thanking both AS voters and the wider electorate for their trust. After all votes were counted, AS secured 41 seats in the Saeima.
