The state secretary to Latvia Ministry of Defence Jānis Garisons has submitted his resignation to minister Andris Sprūds. He will leave his post within the month, according to Garisons’ entry on Facebook.
Garisons was first appointed as state secretary to the ministry in 2015. Before then he was served as deputy state secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
Looking back at eight years spent in this post, Garisons said that his main goal was developing Latvia’s self-defence capabilities, ensuring which required both complex weapons systems and trained staff to operate them.
“Although the internal reform helped accomplish much to simplify and make processes more transparent, there is still a lot left to do to make changes irreversible. It was clear at the beginning of this process that many would not want that,” stressed Garisons.
The Russian-Ukrainian war proved that Latvia and other NATO allies have to prepare. While Ukraine fights for its rights and freedom, we have the time to prepare and prevent Russia’s invasion, said the official.
“One of our main tasks was supplying Latvia’s army with all the necessary munition stores. In any event, we have very large challenges ahead,” said Garisons.
He also referenced the German minister of defence, who said that Europe will need five to eight years in order to reinforce its military capabilities, grow its industrial capacity and prepare for new form of aggression from Russia.
This is why it’s highly important to focus on raising our own combat capabilities, increasing the number of troops in the armed forces and further reinforcing the eastern border. The military industrial capacity in Europe is insufficient. Without a solid industrial foundation, it’s not possible to win any war, the statement mentions.
Garisons will remain in the National Guard and he will remain open to new challenges and new job offers.
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