Latvian Prime Minister nominates former NATO Deputy Secretary Baiba Braze for Foreign Affairs

April 15 () –

The Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina, informed the media this Monday of the nomination of Baiba Braze as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, after the abrupt departure of Krisjanis Karins for an alleged waste of public funds related to the use of flights charter for personal matters.

Braze, who held the position of special representative of the Foreign Ministry, has extensive experience in her diplomatic career – she has been ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, as well as deputy secretary of diplomacy at NATO – and has been described by Silina as a “feisty and brave woman.”

After learning of his nomination, Braze has indicated that his priorities will be to strengthen Latvia's security position internationally to position it as a reliable member of NATO and the EU, as well as the growth of the national economy and increased competitiveness, reports the newspaper 'Diena'.

Parliament will now have to approve his appointment this Thursday, although it is expected that the vote will be a mere formality since the coalition government has the necessary majority.