(expands)

RIGA, Oct 19 (LETA) - The Progressives party sees the approval of the suspended Riga development plan as one of the tasks of the next government, the party's leader Kaspars Briskens said on Wednesday after a meeting representatives of New Unity.

He pointed out that the development planning of Riga was suspended in connection with gambling business interests. In this context, the politician expressed that the regulation of gambling activities should be left to local governments.

LETA reported that the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development has suspended the Riga Development Plan.

The Progressives politician expressed that the talks with New Unity were very open, continuing to look for common positions. Regardless of the role of the Progressives - being in the coalition or in the opposition - it is critically important that the next government acts in accordance with rule of law and democracy, Briskens emphasized.

As another important position for the party, the politician mentioned that the next government should ensure that no political influence is allowed on state capital companies. The Progressives believe that the management model for the state-owned companies should be reformed by placing them under the direct supervision of the prime minister and not ministries. 

The Progressives mentioned Latvijas Valsts Mezi (Latvian State Forests; LVM), a company managed by the Ministry of Agriculture which in turn is controlled by the National Alliance, as an example of such political influence, which leads to non-transparent appointments of managers and procurement procedures. Biskens noted that a company owned by a relative of a National Alliance board member won a tender to develop an electric vehicle charger network, which is an unacceptable situation. 

The minimum income system was a third topic discussed by New Unity and the Progressives. The discussion dealt with the minimum pension, part-time work during a childcare leave, as well as a possible rise of the non-taxable minimum income. The Progressives want to ensure that minimum income and earning opportunities are available to each member of Latvia's society. 

Both parties agreed to continue the dialogue. This week, in-depth discussions between the parties' experts will be organized on particular topics like healthcare, welfare and education.

As reported, on October 3, President Egils Levits authorized Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) to start negotiations with political parties on forming Latvia's next government coalition.

The role of the Progressives is the main bone of contention in the talks on Latvia's next government coalition. While New Unity wants the Progressives to join the coalition, the United List and the National Alliance are firmly against taking this party into the coalition.

In the 14th Saeima elections, New Unity won 26 mandates in Latvia's 100-seat parliament, the United List won 15, the National Alliance 13 and the Progressives ten mandates, which means that with the Progressives the government coalition would have 64 votes and without them 54 votes in parliament.