On Tuesday, September 12, Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens appeared on Latvian Television’s program “Today’s Question” to discuss why the still-formative government is delaying naming ministerial candidates, as well as to discuss other current issues.
On Tuesday, September 12, Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens appeared on Latvian Television’s program “Today’s Question” to discuss why the still-formative government is delaying naming ministerial candidates, as well as to discuss other current issues.
Asheraden explained that currently Prime Minister candidate Evika Siliņa is making the final preparations for the formation of the government, ministerial candidates are being interviewed. As reported, the candidate for the position of prime minister will meet the president on Wednesday, September 13, and after this meeting both the distribution of responsibilities and the next composition of the Cabinet of Ministers will be announced.
Asheraden admitted that the new coalition is not easy, although ZZS is a constructive partner that seeks both compromises in drafting the declaration and compromises in the nomination of government ministers. “I want to tell the negotiators that they are really looking for solutions,” said the minister.
Speaking about the defense budget, Asheraden said: “Knowing how the security situation is developing, I want to say that this flag will be held high and it is the common priority of all of us to ensure the maximum necessary defense spending.”
The Minister of Finance admitted that he is concerned about the planned costs of “Rail Baltica”, because, in his opinion, they exceed the capabilities of the Latvian state. Asheraden said that at the government meeting, the Ministry of Transport was clearly instructed to come up with a very accurate assessment of the situation and presentation of figures by the middle of November. “We need to know what’s going on there. And the government needs to take control of this project. We have an international responsibility,” the minister emphasized.
