On 6 October, President Edgars Rinkēvičs made a statement to the media at Riga Castle following talks with representatives of the political parties and political party alliances that, according to the Central Election Commission’s provisional results of the elections to the 15th Saeima, have been elected to the Saeima.
“Having spoken with representatives of all the political parties elected to the next Saeima, I have concluded that all political forces respect the election result and recognise that the “United List” and Mr Kulbergs enjoy broad support from other parties as well – not all of them, but the majority – to begin forming a government in accordance with a truly impressive mandate given by the public. 41 votes in the Saeima is something unique. And, of course, everyone is ready to talk and consult with the “United List” and Mr Kulbergs on forming the government.
Accordingly, we have agreed that the Prime Minister will also become the candidate for the office of Prime Minister in the sense that he will hold talks with the political forces elected to the Saeima on the government coalition, the potential allocation of responsibilities within the government, and the work to be undertaken, which, under the law, usually results in a draft government declaration.
Under our Constitution and the Law on the Structure of the Cabinet of Ministers, I cannot sign the formal order at this stage, because under our laws the government will resign before the new Saeima. That will happen on 3 November. It will then be possible to follow the formal procedure laid down in the Constitution for nominating a candidate for the post of Prime Minister. However, this in no way prevents us from working fully on forming the government already now, on the basis of the agreement we have reached.
I must also say that, for the most part, I heard a clear commitment from all the political forces (perhaps we discussed this less with one of them) to maintaining the current course on national security, defence and foreign policy, as well as defence spending at 5% of GDP. There was also a clear commitment to work on the issues raised by Mr Kulbergs concerning economic development, the range of issues related to putting the state finances in order, and demographic development.
So, broadly speaking, I am confident that a government can be formed and that Mr Kulbergs has a broad popular mandate to form it in accordance with his vision of how that mandate should be implemented.
Unlike the previous situation in May, there are no such deadlines and there is no rush. This time, the process can genuinely be carried out in a more thorough and measured manner. Although I must also say that, four months ago, many people were surprised, I think, that everything went ahead despite the many sceptics. I am fully confident that this time too it is genuinely possible to get everything done.
I would be very pleased, and I think Latvian society would be pleased, if the new Cabinet could be formed by the national holidays, because it is also important to work on the 2027 budget. If we succeed – in an ideal world – (I also recognise that there are matters that may still be clarified and adjusted) in finalising next year’s budget by Christmas, I think that would already be a good result. However, I am mindful that there may be discussions and that there may be certain matters where the deadlines of 18 November and Christmas might shift slightly. This will really be up to the parties and the candidate for the office of Prime Minister.
We have agreed that we will exchange information from time to time and discuss the progress of government formation. We will also have regular meetings, one of which is already scheduled for tomorrow. I believe that by the beginning of November we will see significant progress.
Finally, I would like to say that I also ask the political forces currently represented in the Saeima not to use this month to take ill-considered or rushed decisions, whether from a budgetary or legal perspective, that could create problems in the future. I have received such an assurance from the political forces I have spoken to. I also have a meeting scheduled with Speaker of the Saeima Ms Mieriņa later this afternoon, and I will raise this matter.
I would once again like to congratulate Mr Kulbergs on his historic achievement. I would once again emphasise that this is a substantial mandate, and I think it represents a truly great responsibility, but also a great opportunity.
I believe our entire society wants the 15th Saeima to succeed, the new government to succeed, and the Prime Minister to succeed in delivering what is planned, both in strengthening the country’s economy and security. Given the turnout results, this is unfortunately also a step towards gradually increasing public involvement in political processes and building trust, so that there can be hope that more people will vote in the elections to the 16th Saeima,” the President said.
