Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics criticised Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens for his communication on the development of the country’s national air carrier, airBaltic, and the Rail Baltica railway project, LSM reports. Rinkevics said that the minister’s communication had been a “complete failure.” Speaking after her meeting with the President, Prime Minister Evika Silina said that she…
Baltic leaders reacted strongly to Russia’s massive missile attacks across Ukraine, including against a children’s hospital in Kyiv, on 8 July 2024. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stated that there was “no line Russian terrorists would not cross.” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Russia was a terrorist state with whom negotiations were impossible. Estonian…
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics is emulating former president Vaira Vike-Freiberga by seeking support directly from society, rather than relying on political elites, according to political analyst Filips Rajevskis, LETA reports. Rajevskis notes that Rinkevics is positioning himself as a mediator between citizens and the political elite. Although his role lacks direct power, the president’s extensive…
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics called for increased EU defence spending, exempting it from fiscal rules, Kathimerini reports. He emphasised the need for the EU to be more self-reliant in defence and for more coordination in defence matters. During his visit to Athens, Rinkevics discussed with Greek officials boosting economic ties, securing more funding for external…
The leaders of the Baltic States condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin, GNA reports. Outgoing Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who has been nominated as the EU’s new foreign policy chief, said that Orban was “exploiting the EU presidency position to sow confusion.” Lithuanian President Gitanas…
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has successfully distanced himself from his former party, New Unity and established his own independent identity, according to political scientist Lelde Metla-Rozentale of Riga Stradins University, LETA reports. While New Unity voters still associate Rinkevics with the party, his work is highly regarded across various voter groups, including those from the…
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics expressed pride and happiness on the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Latvia’s independence, LETA reported. He noted that a new generation had since grown up that only learned about authoritarianism in history books. However, Rinkevics reminded that freedom was not self-evident. He thanked the members of Latvia’s Supreme Council who…
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics backed a unilateral ban on Russian grain imports without waiting for a joint EU decision, LETA reported. Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Evika Silina, Rinkevics pointed out that some of the Russian grain was stolen from occupied Ukrainian territory and that Russia was using food as a “hybrid weapon.”…
Building unified Baltic defence infrastructure should be coordinated with Finnish and Polish military experts, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics stated, LETA reports. Baltic cooperation with Finland and Poland was necessary to create an effective defence mechanism, he said. At the same time, Rinkevics reminded that Latvia was part of NATO’s defence planning. He discussed the issue…