Latvia’s Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins announced he would step down in the wake of a criminal probe over the use of expensive private flights by his office when he was prime minister from 2019-2023. The decision to resign came after a meeting with Prime Minister Evika Silina, and Karins offered no further explanation to the media. The prosecutor general’s office had launched criminal proceedings over the alleged waste of public money through the use of private aviation services by Karins and his staff during his time as prime minister. Public criticism has centered around whether the use of chartered private jets was necessary to fulfill official duties and whether the additional expense was justified.
Although the scandal regarding the private flights has caused public outrage in Latvia, there are no indications that Karins himself faces charges in the probe. The use of charter flights, which are often substantially more expensive than scheduled flights, has been called into question in this case. Prime Minister Silina praised Karins for his decision to resign, despite not being personally accused of any wrongdoing at this stage. She commended him for acting like a “decent Western politician” and noted that he had represented Latvia’s interests well in the EU and NATO during his time as foreign minister.
With Karins set to leave his post on April 10, lawmakers at the Saeima, or parliament, will vote on his successor the next day. Karins had previously expressed interest in becoming the next secretary-general of NATO. Silina, who became prime minister in September when Karins became foreign minister, has not yet announced a candidate to replace him as Latvia’s top diplomat. The decision on who will fill the position will be an important one, as the role of foreign minister is crucial in representing the country’s interests in the international community, particularly within the EU and NATO.
The extension of the entry ban on Russian citizens until 2025 was also announced amidst these developments, citing security concerns. With tensions between Russia and the West remaining high, Latvia’s foreign policy decisions are closely watched by neighboring countries and international partners. The resignation of Karins and the need to appoint a new foreign minister come at a critical time for Latvia as it navigates complex geopolitical challenges. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the country’s diplomatic relationships and international standing moving forward.
