Latvia: Talks on expanding coalition government may continue

Negotiations about possible changes to Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina’s government may resume at the end of summer 2024, with discussions about potentially expanding the coalition, LETA reports. Maris Kucinskis of the opposition United List confirmed the group’s interest in joining the government but only as a unified party. Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze acknowledged informal talks but stated that the coalition, with opposition support for important votes, does not currently need expansion. The current coalition of New Unity, Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), and the Progressives, along with two independents, holds a narrow majority in parliament. There are tensions within the coalition, particularly between New Unity and the Progressives.