Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karinš declared his resignation, a direct response to the launch of an investigation exploring his excessive private jet usage and alleged misconduct throughout his term as Prime Minister. The announcement followed a session between Karinš and current Prime Minister, Evika Silina, according to LSM, the Latvian public broadcaster.
The resignation is set to take effect on April 10, after which the Latvian parliament, or the Saeima, will move to elect his successor. The costs reported during Karinš’s tenure totaled approximately €1.3M (around $1.4M) for 36 overseas trips made on private planes. LSM highlighted that around €600,000 were deducted from state funds, while an added €700,000 was handled by the EU.
These exorbitant expenses were first brought to light in December 2023, amidst which Karinš justified his choice to charter private flights as a time-management decision. Despite promising not to resign to the public, the country’s leading diplomat decided otherwise following the prosecutor general’s office’s declaration of a forthcoming criminal examination into his private jet use.
In Karinš’s quick disclosure to the Latvian media, Prime Minister Silina expressed that Karinš acted responsibly in his decision to renounce his position. She emphasised that his usage of the flights was solely for Latvian interests, and his resignation was an attempt to prevent any allegations of preferential treatment or corruption.
Despite stepping down as Foreign Minister, Karinš will remain a candidate in the forthcoming European Parliament elections. Prime Minister Silina expects this will provide voters an opportunity to assess Karinš’s political actions. As Karinš officially steps down on April 10, the Saeima is scheduled to vote for his replacement the following day. However, potential candidates have yet to be announced.
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