Bookmakers predict Sadurskis’ remainder in his post for the rest of the year

Latvian Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis has been forced to distance himself from political opponents and teacher trade unions because of criticisms regarding reduced wages caused by the teachers’ pay reform. Nevertheless, political support will keep the minister in his post, bookmakers believe.

Sadurskis’ remainder in his post until the end of 2016 is viewed by Triobet bookmakers with 75% probability.

Harmony wishes to accomplish Sadurskis’ dismissal. Riga City Council criticizes the minister for the reduced wages of some teachers in Riga, which came as a result of the reform. Sadurskis claims it is the result of Riga City Council’s manipulations with state funding. The city council has also turned to the Constitutional Court of Latvia to object the different requirements set for Riga. A number of teachers intend to do the same. In addition, Sadurskis has to explain himself for the so-called teacher loyalty amendments to the Education Law.

A number of Harmony members are requesting a vote of distrust in the parliament. Sadurskis, meanwhile, has no intention to step down. Considering that Harmony is an opposition party, it is unlikely they will achieve the majority of votes. Because it is unlikely Sadurskis will be dismissed through a vote and the minister does not plan to step down on his own, the only way he could lose his post is by losing political support.

Unity’s leader Andris Piebalgs announced that the party stands firm in its support of Sadurskis. Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis criticizes Education and Science Ministry only for its failure to explain the teachers’ pay reform properly, not the reform’s results or principles. The National Alliance, for whom the reform was a means to find a place for culture teachers, avoids giving any loud announcements in regards to the reform. This is why it is unlikely Sadurskis’ colleagues could ask him to step down, bookmakers say.

Sociological studies show that Sadurskis is one of the least popular ministers in the country. If Education and Science Ministry fails to explain the benefits of the aforementioned reform, teachers may start protesting against it. In this case, even coalition parties will not be able to save Sadurskis.

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