Rinkevics on Monday green-lit the coalition. Kulbergs is expected to unveil his cabinet appointments on Tuesday, Latvian outlet Diena reported. Under the terms of the coalition deal, caretake prime minister Siliņa, who belongs to the New Unity party, aims to become defense minister.
The Latvian parliament could vote on the new government later this week. Security and defense will be among the main priorities of the incoming coalition. Latvia, which shares a 283-kilometer border with Russia, is one of the most outspoken advocates for Ukraine and EU defense policy.
The next government will also prioritize negotiations on the EU’s next seven-year budget. In particular, Tallinn is calling for robust funding for security, agriculture and regional development.