Ministry of Justice Preparing for the Implementation of Cohabitation Regulations: Progress in Possible Expanded Coalition

The Ministry of Justice is hopeful that the regulation of cohabitation for same-sex couples will be approved in the fall. The Minister of Justice, Lībiņa-Egnere, stated that the ministry has already done a significant amount of preparatory work, and if a political agreement is reached by autumn, there will be no obstacles to moving the solution forward for evaluation in the autumn session of the Saeima.

Lībiņa-Egnere emphasized that the implementation of the regulation of cohabitation is the responsibility of politicians, as mandated by the verdict of the Constitutional Court. She also expressed criticism towards the National Union, one of the coalition partners, for limiting the progress of this issue with numerous ultimatums. Lībiņa-Egnere hopes for smoother progress in the possible expanded coalition.

The co-chairman of “Progressivo” and member of the Saeima, Andris Shuvajevs, stated that the issue of cohabitation was not extensively discussed in the meeting, but the party intends to address it in future negotiations.

Currently, the ruling coalition consists of “New Unity” (JV), the National Union (NA), and “Apvientais listis” (AS). However, after the presidential elections, where the coalition parties failed to agree on support for one candidate, Prime Minister Kariņš has initiated negotiations for a possible expansion of the coalition with the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) and “Progresīvaj”. This expansion is opposed by the National Union and “Apvientais listis”.

Kariņš has previously stated that the coalition expansion is necessary to facilitate smoother work in various areas, including organizing the school network, improving healthcare, addressing labor issues, moving state-owned capital companies to the stock exchange, and ratifying the Istanbul Convention. The execution of the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the regulation of cohabitation is also a priority.

If a political agreement is reached by autumn, the regulation of cohabitation for same-sex couples could see significant progress and potentially be approved during the autumn session of the Saeima.

What preparatory work has the Ministry of Justice undertaken in anticipation of regulating same-sex cohabitation?

Exciting Progress Expected in Regulating Same-Sex Cohabitation

The Ministry of Justice is eagerly anticipating the approval of regulations for same-sex cohabitation this fall. Minister of Justice, Lībiņa-Egnere, has assured that the ministry has already undertaken substantial preparatory work. If a political agreement is secured by autumn, there will be no hindrances in advancing the solution for evaluation during the autumn session of the Saeima.

Lībiņa-Egnere stressed that the responsibility for implementing cohabitation regulations lies with politicians, as mandated by the Constitutional Court’s verdict. She also voiced criticism towards the National Union, one of the coalition partners, for obstructing progress through a series of ultimatums. Lībiņa-Egnere hopes for smoother progress in a potential expanded coalition.

Although the issue of cohabitation was not extensively discussed in the meeting, Andris Shuvajevs, co-chairman of “Progressivo” and a member of the Saeima, stated that the party intends to address this matter in future negotiations.

Currently, the ruling coalition comprises “New Unity” (JV), the National Union (NA), and “Apvientais listis” (AS). However, following the unsuccessful agreement on support for a presidential candidate, Prime Minister Kariņš has initiated talks for a possible coalition expansion with the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) and “Progresīvaj”. The National Union and “Apvientais listis” are opposed to this expansion.

Kariņš has previously highlighted the necessity of expanding the coalition to facilitate smoother operations in various areas, such as organizing the school network, improving healthcare, addressing labor issues, moving state-owned capital companies to the stock exchange, and ratifying the Istanbul Convention. Prioritizing the enforcement of the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the regulation of cohabitation is also crucial.

If a political agreement is reached by autumn, significant progress in regulating cohabitation for same-sex couples could be expected, potentially leading to its approval in the autumn session of the Saeima.