Puče: Rinkēvičs Should Stand Behind Kulbergs, Not in Front

Journalist and TV24 on-air personality Armands Puče said on the programme “Nedēļa. Post Scriptum” that Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs should currently stand behind Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, not in front of him. On the show he assessed the roles of the country's two top officials in Latvian politics; the material was published on 16 October 2026.

“We need a state, not another term for Rinkēvičs,” Puče said.

Assessment of Kulbergs

Puče spoke approvingly of Kulbergs' performance when he served as a member of parliament and took part in parliamentary committee work. In the journalist's view, the deputy showed both competence and the ability to set out his views logically and clearly. Puče described Kulbergs as a technocrat who knows how things work and is able to explain complex matters to people simply.

A press conference example

As an illustration, Puče cited a press conference attended by both Kulbergs and Rinkēvičs. The prime minister was asked an awkward question and tried to answer it. The president, noticing that something was not entirely clear, joined in and asked: “What have I missed?” In Puče's view, the key is to admit that something has not been understood, rather than ask what you have missed.

Criticism of the president

Puče believes the president's attitude toward politicians who seek change also matters. He called Rinkēvičs a “schemer” who has largely helped shape the circumstances Latvia has lived in over the past 20 years. According to the journalist, the president now feels he needs another term, but that is not important: Latvia needs a state, and Kulbergs must take the lead.

These are the journalist's personal opinions expressed on the programme.