Latvian State Chancellery director appointment delayed

Kaspars Gorkšs, the Director General of the Latvian Confederation of Employers, has emerged as the leading candidate for the position of State Chancellery Director following a three-round selection process. This recruitment follows a previous unsuccessful attempt to fill the role in August.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has nominated Gorkšs for the position. While former director Jānis Citskovskis noted that Gorkšs may not be “fully prepared for the role yet,” he suggested the candidate has “high potential to become a key driver for the team.” In response to public criticism regarding his background in professional sports, Gorkšs defended his competence by citing his law and political science degrees alongside nine years of administrative experience. He stated his objective is to improve public administration efficiency and implement internal reforms.

However, the appointment has been delayed following a request from the ‘Jaunā vienība’ (New Unity) parliamentary faction. Faction leader Edmunds Jurēvics stated that a meeting with Gorkšs is necessary to address questions regarding the candidate’s professional suitability, specifically concerning his vision for public administration reforms, civil society engagement, and state expenditure management.

While the faction seeks to vet Gorkšs due to his previous experience in the sports sector, Prime Minister Kulbergs noted the urgency of filling several high-level vacancies, including leadership roles at the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB). A meeting between Gorkšs and the Jaunā vienība faction is scheduled for October 14.