Kulbergs holds no party consultations as Šlesers pushes minority government idea
Andris Kulbergs, prime minister candidate of the election-winning United List, held no official consultations with other parties this week. Ainārs Šlesers, leader of Latvia First, has pledged to back a minority government of professionals formed by Kulbergs.
In Latvia's recent elections, the United List came first. Its prime ministerial candidate, the current Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, did not hold official political consultations with other parties this week. This matters for forming the next government, since the choice of partners determines what coalition or government model emerges.
Kulbergs's public comments in this period were sparse. His office said it was too early to talk about specific partners and the format of the government.
Šlesers offers support
The party Latvia First (LPV) has taken the initiative during the pause. Its leader, Ainārs Šlesers, has promised to support a minority government of professionals formed by Kulbergs. A minority government is one that lacks a majority of votes in parliament and therefore needs backing from other parties.
The pledge has led political insiders to see a professional minority government as one of the most likely models, according to the Latvian Television programme "de facto".
