Andris Kulbergs Explains Absence and Government Formation Delay
Andris Kulbergs posted an emotional video on Facebook explaining that his recent absence from the country and the delay in forming a new government stemmed from traveling to America to attend the funeral of his foster father from a 1990s exchange program. The revelation addresses public criticism regarding the whereabouts of the “United List” leader following the Saeima elections.
Traveling to America for a Foster Father’s Funeral
Public pressure mounted against Andris Kulbergs and his political camp in the days following their showing in the Saeima elections. Critics questioned why discussions with other parliamentary parties had not yet begun and why the composition of the new coalition remained unknown. Breaking his silence via a Facebook video message, Kulbergs explained that he traveled to the United States the previous Sunday for the funeral of his American foster father.
All those who are asking the question, where has the prime minister disappeared, I went to the funeral of a close person in America,
Kulbergs stated in the video. He elaborated that the deceased was his foster father from an exchange program he participated in during the 1990s.
Kulbergs arrived in America at age 15 to complete high school, maintaining a close relationship with the family ever since and referring to them as his second parents. He intended to visit the 86-year-old man over the summer, but work forced a postponement. I chose to fulfill my personal duty to people close to me. And I don’t regret it,
Kulbergs said.
Kulbergs Defends Government Formation Timeline
Addressing complaints about the slow pace of government formation, Kulbergs pushed back against claims that the process had stalled. He maintained that rushing the negotiations could lead to errors. Official candidate nomination protocols prevent any formal government formation processes from commencing before November 3.
The current government remains fully functional while transition talks pause. Ministries and sitting ministers continue their regular administrative duties. Kulbergs emphasized that substance must precede ministerial assignments.
Matters are moving forward! The division of posts and ministries is a secondary question,
Kulbergs noted, outlining plans to resume formal negotiations with political parties on Wednesday.
Negotiations will restart with meetings involving the National Alliance and New Unity, followed by consultations with other political factions. Kulbergs stressed that any structural change requires a thorough, workable plan involving all elected deputies, rather than a hasty division of power.
Cabinet Portfolios Depend on Wednesday Meetings
While the prime minister's personal trip accounted for a one-week pause in initial talks, the timing and structure of the government depend on upcoming negotiations. Party alignment on reform agendas has not yet been finalized. The exact distribution of cabinet portfolios and the final coalition agreement depend entirely on the outcome of the scheduled Wednesday meetings with parliamentary parties.