Gorkss: State Chancellery Should Balance Political Ambitions and Public Good
Kaspars Gorkss, director general of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia and candidate for State Chancellery director, says the institution should balance politics and the public interest. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs will put his candidacy to the government on 13 October.
The State Chancellery should serve as a balancing element between political ambitions and the public good. This was stated in a Latvian Radio interview by Kaspars Gorkss, director general of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia (LDDK) and candidate for director of the State Chancellery. The Chancellery is the centre of Latvia's government, ensuring the cabinet's work and providing the prime minister with data-based information for decisions. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs will propose Gorkss for approval by the government, and the matter will be considered at the cabinet meeting on 13 October.
Gorkss's motivation
Gorkss explained that during his time at LDDK he has held in high regard the contribution of the non-governmental sector and entrepreneurs to the country. At the same time, he has seen many good initiatives stall and go unimplemented, mainly because of inefficient processes. He therefore decided to apply, hoping to be useful with his experience and knowledge.
Asked whether he is ready to publicly object to political directives if they conflict with the civil service's principles, Gorkss answered in the affirmative. He said he had faced similar questions from the selection committee.
The prime minister's expectations
Kulbergs expects the State Chancellery to become a strong, data-driven government centre that helps make decisions faster and more accurately. He believes Gorkss has the experience to carry out these changes, and thanked all three finalists.
Selection process
The selection had three rounds. Of 18 applications, nine candidates advanced to the second round and three to the third: Gorkss; Ieva Jaunzeme, a former director general of the State Revenue Service who is currently sector attaché at the Central Finance and Contracts Agency; and Agita Kalvina, director of the State Administration School. The third round assessed management competencies, including strategic vision, decision-making, change management and team leadership.
The previous director, Raivis Kronbergs, was detained in May in the so-called timber industrialists' case. He was suspended from his post, and later the parties agreed that Kronbergs would leave the position.
