On Thursday, February 11, Latvian parliament (Saeima) will hold a vote of confidence on the new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers set up by the candidate for the Prime Minister’s post Māris Kučinskis.
In case of positive decision of the Saeima, the new government will include: Minister for Defence Raimonds Bergmanis, Minister for Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister for Economics Arvils Ašeradens, Minister for Finance Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Minister for Interior Rihards Kozlovskis, Minister for Education and Science Kārlis Šadurskis, Minister for Culture Dace Melbārde, Minister for Welfare Jānis Reirs, Minister for Transport Uldis Augulis, Minister for Justice Dzintars Rasnačs, Minister for Health Guntis Belēvičs, Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development Kaspars Gerhards and Minister for Agriculture Jānis Dūklavs.
11 ministers from the previous Cabinet of Ministers will continue work in the government headed by Māris Kučinskis; eight ministers will retain previous positions, while three ministers will lead other ministries.
Māris Kučinskis launched the formation of the government on January 13 when it was entrusted to him by President Raimonds Vējonis. This will be the 39th Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia.
The first ceremonial sitting of the new government will be held on Thursday, February 11, at 15.00 in the Green Hall of the Cabinet of Ministers. Ināra Mūrniece, Acting President, Speaker of the Saeima will also participate in the sitting.
The ceremonial sitting will be livestreamed at: http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/tiesraide
Before the ceremonial sitting, at 14.00, Laimdota Straujuma will hand over the official powers to the new head of government Māris Kučinskis by adding her portrait to the historical Prime Ministers’ gallery and hammering a symbolic nail in the handle of the Prime Minister’s flag.
Media opportunities at the Cabinet of Ministers on Thursday, February 11
(We will promptly notify of any changes)
! N.B.
Media representatives will have access to the Cabinet of Ministers with permanent accreditation cards. It will be possible to obtain the accreditation cards for the year 2016 this week, before Wednesday, February 11 (by the end of the business day). If you require a single pass, we kindly ask you to inform the Communication Department of the State Chancellery - 67082828; 28803639, lita.juberte@mk.gov.lv before Thursday, February 11, 10.30.13.35 - 13.55
Arrival of media representatives, security control
14.00
Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma hands over official powers to the new head of govenment Māris Kučinskis (adds portrait to the historical Prime Ministers’ galery and hammers the symbolical nail in the handle of the Prime Minister’s flag )
(Office of the Cabinet of Ministers, Prime Ministers’ Hall, 3rd floor)
Media opportunities: photo/video, participation in the event, opportunity to ask questions
15.00
First ceremonial sitting of the new Cabinet of Ministers and family photo in the Green Hall
(Office of the Cabinet of Ministers, Green Hall, 2nd floor)
Media opportunities: photo/video, participation in the ceremonial sitting
Immediately after the ceremonial sitting at about 15.30
Official photo taking of the new government
(Office of the Cabinet of Ministers, Lobby on the 1st floor)
Media opportunities: photo/video
We will promptly publish the photos of February 11 in the flickr account of the State Chancellery. You are kindly asked to use them by making a reference to the State Chancellery https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja
Information prepared by:
Lita Juberte
Press Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers
Phone: 67082919; 28803639
E-mail: lita.juberte@mk.gov.lv