Latvian Lawmaker Andris Kulbergs to Form New Coalition Government

Centrist Latvian lawmaker Andris Kulbergs on Monday announced his intention to form a coalition government with four parties, national media reported on Monday.

Center-right Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s ruling coalition fell apart earlier this month due to political backlash over an incident in which two stray Ukrainian drones hit the Baltic state’s oil facilities.

Following the government’s collapse, President Edgard Rinkevics asked Kulbergs, whose United List is the largest opposition group in the parliament, to lead coalition talks. According to the centrist politician, his party has reached a “division plan” with the right-wing National Alliance, the green-conservative Green and Farmers’ Union, and the center-right New Unity parties.

Rinkevics on Monday green-lit the coalition. Kulbergs is expected to unveil his cabinet appointments on Tuesday, Latvian outlet Diena reported. Under the terms of the coalition deal, caretake prime minister Siliņa, who belongs to the New Unity party, aims to become defense minister.

The Latvian parliament could vote on the new government later this week. Security and defense will be among the main priorities of the incoming coalition. Latvia, which shares a 283-kilometer border with Russia, is one of the most outspoken advocates for Ukraine and EU defense policy.

The next government will also prioritize negotiations on the EU’s next seven-year budget. In particular, Tallinn is calling for robust funding for security, agriculture and regional development.