Latvia's PM candidate presents security-focused government program

Andris Kulbergs, the center-right Lista Unida candidate nominated to lead Latvia, has unveiled a government program prioritizing national security and defense. Kulbergs aims to secure a parliamentary vote on his proposed coalition, formed with three other parties, by Thursday.

"We will ensure full support for defense and internal security services to strengthen borders and air defenses, and to enhance the internal and external security of the state," Kulbergs stated at a press conference in Riga. His administration plans to allocate 5% of Latvia's GDP to defense, promote the growth of the domestic military industry and technology, and work with allies to expand the NATO presence within the Baltic nation.

The proposed 14-minister cabinet maintains several key figures from the previous government, including acting Foreign Minister Baiba Braze and acting Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri. The coalition also includes the nomination of Army Colonel Ravis Melnis as Defense Minister, who emphasized integrating Ukrainian military experience and supporting the domestic defense industry. Melnis acknowledged the controversy of a military official taking a ministerial post, stating he would resign his army commission before the parliamentary vote.

Kulbergs' party has tapped former Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis for Finance Minister, while Janis Dombrava of the nationalist National Alliance is expected to head the Interior Ministry. The previous government, led by Evika Silina, resigned earlier this month following an incident involving stray Ukrainian drones impacting energy infrastructure.