On Thursday, May 28, the Saeima expressed its confidence in the newly formed Cabinet of Ministers led by Andris Kulbergs, and Māris Kučinskis will take office as Minister of Finance, replacing the previous Minister of Finance, Arvils Ašeradens.
“My priority as Minister of Finance will be to ensure the responsible, effective, and targeted use of Latvian taxpayers’ money and European Union funding, with a particular focus on ensuring that state funding makes a real contribution to Latvia’s security, economic development, and the quality of life for residents. When reviewing state budget priorities, funding must first and foremost be secured for security, education, and healthcare as the foundations of national development and public safety. At the same time, it is essential to develop a new model for municipal financial equalization that would ensure fair and balanced development across all regions of Latvia, strengthen municipal fiscal responsibility, and create a stable environment for the availability of quality services to residents. It is also necessary to strengthen Latvia’s position in negotiations on the next European Union multiannual budget in order to attract investments for enhancing competitiveness, business development, and security,” notes Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis.
Māris Kučinskis earned a degree in economics from the Faculty of Management and Economic Information at the University of Latvia.
Māris Kučinskis has been active in public administration and politics for more than thirty years. He has served as Chairman of the Valmiera City Council, Minister of Regional Development and Local Government Affairs, a member of several convocations of the Saeima, and served as Prime Minister from 2016 to 2019.
Since 2022, Māris Kučinskis has been a member of the 14th Saeima, and from 2022 to 2023, he served as Minister of the Interior.
Edgars Putra will serve as Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. He previously served as a member of the 13th and 14th Saeimas and has held the position of Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Edgars Putra holds a degree in economics and business administration and has extensive experience working in the fields of agriculture and business.
The outgoing Minister of Finance, Arvils Ašeradens, has held the position since December 2022.