Latvia’s long-serving overseas minister, recognized for his robust line on neighboring Russia and robust assist for Ukraine, has been sworn in because the Baltic nation’s new president for a four-year time period
FILE – Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics speaks to the media after lawmakers elected him within the Saeima, the Latvian Parliament in Riga, Latvia, Wednesday, Could 31, 2023. Latvia’s long-serving overseas minister, recognized for his robust line on neighboring Russia and robust assist for Ukraine, was sworn in on Saturday, July 8, 2023 because the Baltic nation’s president for a four-year time period. (AP Photograph/Roman Koksarov, File)
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HELSINKI — Latvia’s long-serving overseas minister, recognized for his robust line on neighboring Russia and robust assist for Ukraine, was sworn in on Saturday because the Baltic nation’s president for a four-year time period.
Edgars Rinkevics, who had served as Latvia’s prime diplomat since 2011, took the oath of workplace in ceremonies at a rare session of the Parliament, or Saeima, within the capital, Riga. He succeeds Egils Levits, who didn’t search reelection.
Rinkevics, 49, was elected by lawmakers in late Could in a race in opposition to two different candidates. He ran because the candidate of his and Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins’ New Unity celebration.
He’s the seventh president of Latvia, a nation of 1.8 million that may be a member of the European Union and NATO, because it regained its independence in 1991.
Latvia’s presidency is essentially a ceremonial put up and the pinnacle of state acts primarily as an opinion chief and uniting determine within the nation, the place nearly one-third of residents communicate Russian.
The president represents Latvia overseas, acts because the supreme commander of the armed forces, indicators payments into legislation, nominates the prime minister and has the appropriate to dissolve Parliament, amongst different issues.
Rinkevics gained reputation amongst Latvians throughout his 12 years as overseas minister — a put up he held for longer than some other of his predecessors.
As he assumed the presidency on Saturday, the Latvian authorities mentioned Prime Minister Karins will briefly carry out the duties of the overseas minister alongside together with his regular duties till a brand new appointment is made.
No names for a brand new overseas minister have but been put ahead for approval within the Parliament.