Šlesers hints at nationwide protest if 'Vienotība' joins next government

Ainārs Šlesers, leader of the Latvia First political alliance, released a video thanking his voters and offering a critical assessment of the post-election situation. He noted that his alliance received over 100,000 votes, finishing second and securing 17 seats in the Saeima.

Šlesers recalled that his party had offered to form a government together with Kulbergs, which combined would have given them 58 seats. However, he said, Kulbergs instead chose to cooperate with 'Vienotība' (Unity), a party that barely cleared the 5% threshold in the election.

Criticism of Unity's role

The politician argued that many voters will be disappointed by this choice, since the promised changes are unlikely to materialize — in his view, Unity has spent the past 17 years building an extensive state administration staffed with its own people and various institutions, and will have no interest in reforming it.

Šlesers stressed that his party's absence from government was not its own choice but a consequence of Kulbergs's decision to work with Unity. He pledged to continue operating according to his party's principles over the next four years, working intensively, and said he would watch closely how Kulbergs's negotiations with Unity unfold regarding the distribution of posts and any potential reforms.

He separately thanked supporters in Latgale, where his alliance took a leading position, promising to defend the region's interests in parliament.

Call for a protest

In the text accompanying the video, Šlesers directly asked his followers whether they would be willing to join a nationwide protest against any government that includes Unity, stating his belief that such a government would continue to harm the country.