Aivis Ceriņš to continue National Guard and showbiz work after missing out on Saeima seat

Television personality Aivis Ceriņš, who ran in the elections to Latvia's 15th Saeima (parliament) on the "United List" alliance ticket, was not elected. In an interview with the magazine "Kas Jauns", he said he is not upset by the outcome because he has plenty of work. The magazine also surveyed long-serving politicians who did not run again, as well as candidates who were not elected, about their future plans.

Ceriņš's plans

Ceriņš has served in the Zemessardze (National Guard) for a year, and in November he plans to spend a week taking part in Operation "Vilkatis" on the border with Belarus. He describes it as dedication to the country and says his family is not enthusiastic about it. Alongside this, he will keep organising and hosting events, with several balls scheduled for December and January. He has also returned to professor Andris Skride's programme on "TV24" and does not rule out hosting a show.

Ceriņš says he wanted to work in the Saeima's Defence Committee to improve cooperation between the army and civilian businesses, for example owners of equipment who could help in a crisis. Since voters did not give him that opportunity, he will look for another route and will most likely stay close to Andris Kulbergs' team.

Other politicians

Former MP Anda Čakša plans to rest after ten years in politics, spend the end of the year with her family and later write a humorous book. Kaspars Briškens is weighing several offers and wants to devote more time to family and sport, while continuing to support the Progressives. Raivis Dzintars, who led the National Alliance and its parliamentary group for more than 15 years, will no longer seek political posts but will remain in the party as a member; he has also obtained a certificate in Gestalt therapy. Lawyer Ieva Brante continues to work at the family support centre "Dūja", runs the cultural space "Divatā" and is writing her second book, "Laimes lutekļi".