Kulbergs: Tough Decisions Ahead in Both Government and Parliament

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, a representative of the United List who was elected to the 15th Saeima, spoke on TV24's election results special about the possible next governing coalition and its main tasks.

In his view, the first step will be to determine what changes voters have demanded and which political forces are ready to agree to them. Kulbergs warned that the decisions will be tough and will have to be made not only in the Cabinet of Ministers but also in the Saeima.

Audit and savings

Kulbergs believes a broad audit of state functions is needed, along with a new agreement with society on what the state should do and what it can give up. He compared this to a household budget: when finances are poor, one must work out which subscription to stop using and what can be done without.

According to him, one task of the next government will be to review the number of ministries and assess the operations of state-owned companies that operate wastefully. He also called for a review of government borrowing and public procurement, stressing that a moratorium should be placed on all procurement and every euro should have a clear purpose.

Economic growth

At the same time, Kulbergs noted that savings alone will not be enough, as voters expect an economic breakthrough. He said the focus must be on investing in the economy so that it finally starts producing. He said he already has a plan, but it must first be discussed with colleagues before specific proposals are presented.

He paid particular attention to the remaining EU funds, which, in his opinion, should not serve merely as material to be absorbed and continue to go into concrete and IT, but should stimulate the economy.