Ainārs Šlesers seeks role in Latvia's next government

Following the 15th Saeima elections, Ainārs Šlesers, leader of the party ‘Latvija pirmajā vietā’ (LPV), has expressed ambitions to join the next government and seek a change of power in Riga.

Šlesers has proposed forming a coalition with Andris Kulbergs’ ‘Apvienotais saraksts’ (AS). According to provisional results, AS secured 41 seats and LPV secured 17, which would provide a parliamentary majority of 58 seats. However, Kulbergs has publicly stated he does not wish to cooperate with LPV.

Šlesers has criticized ‘Jaunā Vienotība’ (New Unity), suggesting they should be excluded from a new coalition due to their bureaucratic nature. He has even socialized a proposal on social media asking citizens if they would be ready to participate in a nationwide protest against a government that includes ‘Vienotība’.

Šlesers attributed his party's election success to a provocative social media campaign involving various visual scenarios. He also indicated that his focus remains on defending the interests of Latgale and potentially challenging the current leadership in the Riga City Council.