As official coalition talks get underway, the outlines of the possible distribution of posts in the next government are also beginning to emerge, according to a report on Wednesday evening by the Latvian Television programme “Panorāma”.

Two of the candidates for ministerial posts – Normunds Staņēvičs, former chairman of the board of the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, and Kārlis Purgailis, an economist at Citadele Bank – could serve in the government as non-partisan professionals, taking up the posts of Minister of Health and Minister of Finance respectively. The candidacy of cardiologist Andris Skride (United List) is also being considered for the post of Minister of Health.

Edgars Štelmahers (United List) could become Minister for Economics; the current Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Viesturs Vitkovskis, is being discussed for the post of Minister for Justice; Līga Meņģelsone (United List) for the post of Minister for Welfare; the Minister of Defence could continue to be Raivis Melnis, nominated by New Unity, whilst Edgars Tavars (United List) would remain in the post of Minister for Smart Administration and Regional Development.

Edgars Putra (United List) could become Minister for Agriculture, whilst Česlavs Batņa (United List) could be nominated for the post of Minister for Education and Science.

Diplomat Edgars Skuja has been approached for the post of Minister for Foreign Affairs.

This is a provisional allocation of posts, which does not cover all ministerial posts in the new government, including those of Minister for the Interior and Minister for Transport.

As the parties seek compromises, the distribution of posts may change. It is noteworthy that as the positions stand now, the Cabinet would be almost exclusively male. 

The next round of government formation talks is scheduled for after 4 November – following the convening of the 15th Saeima.

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