PM Kulbergs Calls for End to Consultant Contracts in Tet-LMT Merger

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, representing the "Apvienotais saraksts" party, has called for terminating consultancy contracts tied to the ongoing merger process between telecommunications companies "Tet" and LMT.

The prime minister has proposed ending the current cooperation with outside consultants and instead launching direct negotiations between the parties involved in the merger.

The call comes as conflicting versions have emerged publicly regarding the actual cost of hiring consultants for this process. Different sources cite varying figures, and no single, officially confirmed cost figure has been made public so far.

The merger of "Tet" and LMT has been a topical issue in Latvia's business and public administration circles for some time. The process involves several stages, and external consultants have so far been involved in its preparation.

Kulbergs' appeal reflects concern that the current process, which relies on consultants, may be associated with a lack of clarity regarding its costs. He has stressed the need to move toward a more direct approach — negotiating directly with representatives of "Tet" and LMT — rather than continuing to pay for consultancy services.

Detailed reasoning as to why the prime minister considers the consultant contracts unnecessary, as well as specific figures on costs incurred so far, have not been publicly disclosed. It also remains unclear how the management of "Tet" and LMT will respond to the call, and whether the process will actually change as a result.

The question of the merger's costs and transparency continues to draw attention in both political and business circles.