Today, 17 August 2023, I have received the letter of resignation of the government of Prime Minister Artūrs Krišjānis Kariņš. The government will continue its work until a new one is formed.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his four and a half years of service to the country and society. The governments he has led have had to tackle pandemics, fight money laundering in Latvian banks, combat hybrid attacks on Latvia's eastern border, and support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
In order to implement Article 56 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the Cabinet of Ministers shall be formed by a person appointed by the President of Latvia, I will invite the political forces represented in the Saeima to consultations next week.
During these consultations, we will discuss the process of forming a new coalition and seek the views of these political forces on the preferred coalition model, possible candidates for the post of Prime Minister, as well as a vision of the long-term and immediate tasks to be carried out by the government. Latvian society also expects concrete solutions to the most pressing problems of the moment - high electricity tariffs and loan interest rates, as well as rapid food price inflation.
According to Article 59 of the Constitution, the confidence of the Saeima is required for the Prime Minister and ministers to perform their duties. Therefore, in consultations with the political forces represented in the Saeima, I would like to be assured that the nominated candidate for the post of Prime Minister is able to win the widest possible support of the Parliament.
In forming a new coalition, I call for a specific goal to be set - by 2030 Latvia will achieve the European Union's average welfare index, with special attention to education and science, attracting investment, reducing regional and economic inequality in our country - people in Riga and Latgale should feel equally well off - health care, the country's external and internal security, and Latvia's economic competitiveness. In my talks with party representatives, I will invite the political forces to present their vision for achieving these goals. The next government can and must lay the foundations for this work.
Alongside the medium- and long-term priorities, there is also urgent tasks to be performed:
- work on the 2024 state budget. This needs to be considered and well thought out, and adopted in a timely manner;
- a vision for balancing food inflation and electricity tariff growth for Latvian residents in line with the socio-economic situation of the country, systemic improvements in the work of the Regulator to balance the state monopoly and the interests of the population;
- a vision for solutions to boost lending to the national economy and support measures to mitigate the negative effects of the rapid increase in credit interest rates for Latvian population and businesses;
- a substantial increase in funding for the internal security of the country, including a review of the remuneration of the internal affairs system and prison employees and the development of the vocational education system;
- strengthening the eastern border of Latvia in an accelerated, comprehensive and systemic manner, providing the necessary funding;
- reasonable and proportionate changes in the education system and health care. Establishment of quality and accessible education and health systems, taking into account the specifics of Latvia's regions and the reality of life.
In the consultations regarding the candidate for the next Prime Minister, I would like to be reassured about the unchanged course of Latvia's foreign and security policy, including support for Ukraine and consistent compliance with the sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus, a vision for economic development and strengthening the human rights standards in Latvia, as well as investments in education, science, healthcare, internal security and national defence, including the construction of the Sēlija landfill, ensuring the presence of allied forces and introducing a high-quality national defence service.
Please be informed that the President of Latvia will hold consultations with the political forces represented in the Parliament at the Riga Castle according to the size of the Saeima faction at the following times:
- 21 August at 9.30 - New Unity;
- 21 August at 10.30 - The Union of Greens and Farmers;
- 21 August at 15.00 - United List - Latvian Green Party, Latvian Association of Regions, Liepāja Party;
- 22 August at 10.00 - National Alliance "All Latvia!" - "For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK";
- 22 August at 11.00 – The Progressives;
- 22 August at 13.00 – For Stability!;
- 22 August at 14.00 - Latvia First.