Gorkss Explains Publicly Why He Is Suited to Head Latvia's State Chancellery

Kaspars Gorkss, director general of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), posted a lengthy explanation on the social network X on 10 October about his candidacy for director of the State Chancellery. The chancellery is the institution that supports the work of Latvia's government, and its director is the country's highest-ranking civil servant. The statement followed heated online debate over whether a former professional athlete is right for the post.

Gorkss's arguments

Gorkss acknowledged that part of his career was spent in professional sport, which is public and can create stereotypes. He said that in the nine years since ending his playing career, his education and work have been closely tied to administration and public governance. He holds a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in political science. In the non-governmental sector he gained insight into drafting legislation, set up a new municipal educational institution in Jurmala, and led the Jurmala football school and the day-to-day operations of LDDK.

In recent years he has taken part in Saeima committee meetings and worked with ministries, state institutions and all political parties. Gorkss believes public administration needs change that is hard to achieve from outside, and says he intends to combine enthusiasm with practical experience.

Support and criticism

Former State Chancellery director Janis Citskovskis said that among the three finalists, Gorkss, Agita Kalvina, head of the State Administration School, and Ieva Jaunzeme, former director general of the State Revenue Service, he would pick Gorkss. Citskovskis allowed that Gorkss is not yet fully ready but said he has high potential.

Opinions on social media are divided: some commenters call him a representative of narrow interests and doubt his independence from parties, while others back him and wish him luck.

The selection process

This is the second competition within a few months. In the first, among six applicants, no suitable candidate was found, so a new one with lowered requirements was announced in early August. It drew 18 applications. The monthly salary is 7,255 euros before tax. The previous director, Raivis Kronbergs, was detained in May in the so-called timber industry case and left the post.