Stendzenieks Criticises Kulbergs Over Red Line Against LPV
Riga City Council member Ēriks Stendzenieks of LPV has criticised Andris Kulbergs for ruling out cooperation with LPV. He argues such limits are unjustified on economic matters and questions Kulbergs' professional depth.
After the elections, the question of which parties the winning “United List” could work with, and where red lines are drawn on the road to a coalition, is becoming more pressing. Particular attention has fallen on Andris Kulbergs' stance toward the party “Latvia First” (LPV), which he ruled out as a partner even before the vote.
On the TV24 programme “Kārtības rullis”, the stance was criticised by advertising specialist and Riga City Council member Ēriks Stendzenieks of LPV. He asked what problem Kulbergs could have with LPV if the priority is said to be the economy and finance. Stendzenieks also said he did not understand why Kulbergs seems to be trying to present himself as even more nationalist than the National Alliance.
Issues on their merits
Stendzenieks pointed to questions a coalition would have to handle: ports, grain exports, labour force, business interests and the dismantling of railway tracks. In his view, these should be judged on their merits rather than blocked by political red lines.
Asked why Kulbergs drew the line a week before the election, Stendzenieks put it down to political immaturity. He claimed Kulbergs has never faced criticism, having always been the newcomer, the promising and well-liked politician.
Communication and committee work
Stendzenieks also criticised Kulbergs' communication style. In his view, the politician gives different audiences the answers they want to hear, and so talks himself into a corner.
The programme's host noted that Kulbergs has been exceptionally active in Saeima inquiry committees. Stendzenieks nevertheless believes the politician's professional experience is relatively narrow, while his ambition and ego are far greater. He summed up that Kulbergs is narrowly specialised and that his ego exceeds his professionalism in inquiry committees.
