Latvia: Proposal to merge three ministries into new economy ministry

Latvia’s National Alliance has proposed merging three ministries into a new Ministry of National Economy, LETA reports. Under the proposal, the new ministry would take over the functions of the current Ministry of Economics, Ministry of Climate and Energy, and Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development. Energy Minister Janis Vitenbergs of the National Alliance said that the new combined ministry would enable faster and better-coordinated decision-making, LETA reported. National Alliance has suggested that the State Chancellery prepare the most suitable model for merging the three ministries by the end of September 2026. Meanwhile, representatives of National Alliance’s coalition partner, New Unity, have proposed that the Welfare Ministry be merged with the Health Ministry.