Tavars: broader coalition needed to pass serious, unpopular decisions

Edgars Tavars, a representative of the United List — the party that won the recent election to Latvia's 15th Saeima — discussed the possible shape of the next governing coalition during an appearance on Latvian Television's program "Šodienas jautājums" (Today's Question).

Tavars argued that passing decisions which are important for the country but unpopular among the public requires broader political backing than a narrow coalition could offer. His comments suggest that such measures are harder to carry through when a coalition rests on only two parties with a limited number of seats in parliament.

Two-party option not ruled out

The politician acknowledged that a coalition built around just two parties remains theoretically possible and should not be dismissed outright. Still, he expressed the view that a wider coalition, bringing together several parties, would be preferable, since it would provide a steadier foundation for decisions that are not always welcomed by the public.

The remarks come as negotiations continue following the 15th Saeima election over the formation of the next government and its coalition partners. Having secured the most votes in the election, the United List's position on coalition-building principles is being viewed as a notable signal ahead of further talks with other parties.

Tavars did not specify in the broadcast which particular parties might join the negotiations or which exact decisions he considers "unpopular."