Latvian Prosecutor General Juris Stukāns has decided to run for office again. Chief Prosecutor of the Riga District Court Prosecutor’s Office Armīns Meisters is a potential rival, as he considers running for the post as well.
Stukāns told LETA that he has decided to run for a repeated term again because not all tasks have been completed so far, so he wants to see them to completion personally. “I wasn’t able to realise all of my ideas and plans in these past five years,” said Stukāns, adding that he has received encouragements from prosecutors and judges to continue his work.
When asked if he expects support from the Council for the Judiciary and Saeima deputies, Stukāns responded that he currently has no information about any criticisms or remarks from either of the two institutions. “No one has openly said they have any objections,” said the prosecutor general.
In accordance with the personnel selection procedure, Stukāns will have to submit his plan for the development of the prosecutor’s office.
Meisters was a contender in the previous personnel selection procedure five years ago as well. He confirmed to LETA that he has yet to make a final decision, but he will seriously consider his chances this time.
LETA previously reported that prosecutor Uvis Kozlovskis is also considering running for the high office. Like Meisters, he participated in the selection procedure five years ago.
Gatis Doniks, Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), confirmed to LETA last week that he has been approached to participate in the competition but refused because he has a contract with the EPPO for another five years. At the same time, he allowed for the possibility of running in the next competition.
Applicant must be Latvian citizens or a citizen of at least 40 years of age with excellent command of the state language and higher professional or academic education, a lawyer’s qualification and a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Candidates are also required to have an impeccable reputation and professional work experience, namely at least five years of experience as a judge of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, an international or supranational court, or ten years of experience as a judge of a regional court, a chief prosecutor, a district prosecutor’s office or a prosecutor of the Prosecutor General’s Office, or 15 years of experience as a judge or prosecutor.
They also have to meet requirements of the Law on Official Secret in order to receive a permit to access official secrets.