Šlesers and Ašeradens trade barbs on TV over Latvia's economic standing
Prime ministerial candidates Ainārs Šlesers and Arvils Ašeradens clashed on TV24's "Runāsim atklāti" over Latvia's growth and the need for a stable governing coalition, disagreeing on whether the country is lagging behind Estonia.
During TV24's talk show "Runāsim atklāti," Ainārs Šlesers, prime ministerial candidate for the "Latvia First" alliance, argued that Latvia needs a strong two-party coalition capable of making quick decisions and moving the country forward.
Šlesers said political forces that have long held power without delivering sufficient growth should take responsibility and step down. He compared the situation to sports, where a team that keeps losing can no longer continue playing the same way.
Diverging views on targets
In discussion with Arvils Ašeradens, prime ministerial candidate for "New Unity," Šlesers said Latvia should not aim immediately for a Swiss or Scandinavian standard of living. A more realistic goal, he argued, would be reaching Estonia's level within about ten years. He added that even matching Estonia would not be enough, since the neighboring country will keep developing, and pointed to Lithuania's growth as evidence that Latvia needs to act more decisively.
Ašeradens responded by noting that Šlesers has been active in politics for many years, pointing to the fact that this is already his eighth political party. He also pushed back on the claim that Latvia is falling behind Estonia, saying Latvia's economy is currently growing faster than Estonia's.
The exchange took place amid campaigning ahead of the 15th Saeima elections.
