Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevičs, unlike his predecessor Egils Levits, is more people-oriented, says politologist and leading Social and Political Studies Institute of the University of Latvia Juris Rozenvalds.
According to him, Rinkēvičs’ speech at the Song Celebration was generally successful. The newly-elected president also tries to react quickly. There was the invitation extended to Ukrainian National Academic men’s and boys’ choir Dudaryk. There have also been other symbolic moves. Now we have to wait for something more serious, said Rozenvalds, adding that the first test will be related to problems in the government.
The politologist admits that Rinkēvičs is definitely popular among Latvians, and his previous actions and statements
prove a potential to gain support among Russians as well.
He also has a sense of humour. He can be both sharp and maintain easy chatter at the same time.
“I would like to say that, when compared with Levits, he is much more people-oriented, the kind of communication with people that his predecessor lacked. Levits was too official and preachy in certain cases, which is not something people liked about him,” said the politologist.
At the same time, Rozenvalds said it is important to observe the new president in action. He said in the previous elections that Levits had everything to become a good president. However, in the end, this was not the case.
On the 8th of July Rinkēvičs took office as Latvia’s president, replacing Egils Levits.
Also read: Politologist says Rinkevičs’ speech at Song Celebration “was heard and accepted”