Defense Minister Andris Sprudss ("Progressives") has held the position for two and a half years, and during this time, two Secretaries of State for Defense have already submitted their resignations.
At the end of 2023, Secretary of State Janis Garisons, who held the position for many years, left his post, and Aivars Purins was appointed in a competitive process to replace him; however, he has now submitted his resignation as well.
"Currently, we are witnessing increased pressure on the defense sector - unfounded claims and accusations are being circulated in the public space, attempts are being made to question the progress of the sector or undermine trust. The Secretary of State has decided not to continue working under such conditions. I respect this decision, and after discussing the situation, we have reached an agreement to terminate the employment relationship as of May 31. We will soon announce an open competition for the position of Secretary of State for Defense," the minister stated.
Purins himself did not provide comments on the reasons for his resignation. However, questions are already being raised on social media: if officials in the ministry cannot withstand pressure in relatively calm conditions, what will happen to them in a crisis situation? Unlike his predecessor Garisons, who often participated in discussions and gave interviews to the media, Purins remained more in the shadows, making it difficult to find any accusations against him.
Several officials interviewed by "Latvijas Avīze" expressed confusion regarding the minister's argument that the reason for the Secretary of State's departure was the unfounded claims and accusations circulated in the public space. "I have not heard any accusations against the Secretary of State. Such statements surprise me. There has been nothing like that from Purins in conversations or reports either," said Ainars Latkovskis, head of the Saeima National Security Commission.
The previous Secretary of State, Janis Garisons, after his resignation, cited disagreements with Sprudss as the reason for his departure. He did not comment on the events in the Ministry of Defense, noting that he is no longer following them closely. However, several sources confirmed that this time the reason may be similar, as there is a sense of tension within the ministry.
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