Latvia’s existing foreign minister, Edgar Rinkevics, is known for his strict notions regarding neighbouring Russia and strong support for Ukraine, was sworn in on Saturday as the Baltic nation’s president for a four-year term.
Edgars Rinkevics, who had served as Latvia’s top diplomat since 2011, took the oath of office in ceremonies at a memorable session of the Parliament, or Saeima, in the capital, Riga. He succeeds Egils Levits, who didn’t stand for re-election. He is the seventh president of Latvia, a nation of 1.8 million that is a member of the European Union and NATO, since it regained its independence in 1991.Rinkevics had gained popularity among Latvians during his 12 years as foreign minister, he held the office,longer than any other of his predecessors.As he assumed the presidency on Saturday, the Latvian government said Prime Minister Karins will temporarily perform the tasks of the foreign minister along with his normal duties until a new appointment is made.
Rinkevics, 49, was elected by lawmakers in late May in a race against two other candidates. He ran as the candidate of his and Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins’ New Unity party. Latvia’s presidency is on a whole, a ceremonial post and the head of state acts mainly as an opinion leader and uniting figure in the country, where almost one-third of residents speak and Russian
