RIGA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian parliament on Thursday approved the appointment of three new cabinet ministers in a government reshuffle described by Prime Minister Evika Silina as a "restart" amid criticism over her administration's recent performance.
Atis Svinka of the Progressives party was confirmed as transport minister, Dace Melbarde of the New Unity party as education and science minister, and Reinis Uzulnieks of the Union of Greens and Farmers as welfare minister.
All three newly appointed ministers previously served as parliamentary secretaries before being nominated for ministerial roles. Svinka was parliamentary secretary at the Defense Ministry, Melbarde at the Foreign Ministry, and Uzulnieks at the Welfare Ministry.
The reshuffle follows Silina's decision in February to dismiss one minister from each of the three coalition parties.
Explaining the changes, Silina said after discussions with all ministers, she decided that new leadership was needed in these sectors. She emphasized that the incoming ministers would bring a "fresh perspective" to tackle the numerous challenges facing their respective ministries. ■
