RIGA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis on Monday designated political newcomer Aldis Gobzems as the Baltic country's next prime minister, giving him a fortnight to put together a coalition government.
Gobzems from KPV LV party, is the second prime minister-designate to be nominated this month. Janis Bordans of the New Conservative Party, who was designated on Nov. 7, proved unable to secure sufficient parliamentary support to form a government.
Since negotiations among six center-right parties did not produce any coalition deal by Monday, the deadline set by the president to form a government, Vejonis took initiative in his hands and picked Gobzems as candidate for prime minister.
"The rules of the play have not changed -- I expect the nominee to report on support for his government, distribution of ministerial portfolios and of course, the government's main tasks within two weeks," said the president.
Gobzems is now expected to start active consultations with the political parties to shore up support for his would-be coalition cabinet and him as Latvia's next prime minister.
Gobzems' KPV LV party does not plan to start formal talks with other parties but instead will prepare to ensure that the coming talks are successful.
