The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) has picked Jānis Dūklavs to replace Māris Kučinskis in the National Security Council. Kučinskis has also announced his decision to leave ZZS faction.
On 16 June the Saeima also approved the reshuffling in the composition of the National Security Committee.
Kučinskis served as the committee’s chairman until now.
The politician previously said he expects having to leave the committee entirely.
Kučinskis and Liepajas Party, which he represents, have decided to cease relations with the Union of Greens and Farmers in favour of running in the upcoming 14th Saeima elections together with Latvian Association of Regions and Uldis Pīlēns’ association.
When asked about the future of Kučinskis, Edgars Tavars and Raimonds Bergmanis in the faction, ZZS Saeima faction chairman Uldis Augulis said once the aforementioned political platform is officially created, it is likely each side «will have to pick its path».
On Thursday, 16 June, Saeima deputy Māris Kučinskis announced that it is clear he will be removed from the post of head of the aforementioned committee and will also leave ZZS faction in the parliament.
ZZS co-chairman, Saeima deputy Armands Krauze said even before Kučinskis’ announcement the party decided to exclude him, Edgars Tavars and Raimonds Bergmanis from the faction.
Krauze also said that in accordance with Saeima’s rules, only faction deputies are allowed to work in the National Security Committee. This is why Kučinskis can no longer work in it.
Kučinskis considers the faction’s decision as reasonable and politically motivated.
According to him, the changes did not come as a surprise. He said he expected as much when Liepaja party publicly announced its decision to cease working together with ZZS as long as the party works with For Latvia and Ventspils with Aivars Lembergs at its helm.
«There are limits to everything, and there can be no compromises when it comes to Latvia’s security. Lembergs crossed the red line. Unfortunately, this is not the first time. If a backstage actor manipulates an entire faction and is confident that that differently minded people prevent him from realising his goals, democracy loses any meaning,» said Kučinskis.
The politician thanked his colleagues in the National Security Committee, adding that it was possible to protect Latvia’s national security interests.
«In spite of ideological differences, our common goal – Latvia is and remains a democratic EU and NATO member state.»