Latvia’s president nominated a new candidate for prime minister, a third stab at forming a government since inconclusive elections three months ago.
President Raimonds Vejonis picked Krisjanis Karins, 54, of the New Unity party, the smallest of five in a proposed coalition. The U.S.-born former economy minister and member of the European Parliament is expected to present a Cabinet for a parliamentary vote this month, Vejonis told reporters Monday in Riga. Previous attempts by candidates from bigger parties failed.
The Baltic European Union and NATO member has struggled to form a government since the elections brought three new parties to a fractured legislature and the vote’s winner, the Russia-leaning Harmony, failed to find ruling partners. If Karins is successful, he’ll face challenges from repairing the reputation of the nation’s scandal-hit financial sector to Brexit and worries about regional security.