In accordance with the powers of the President of the Republic of Latvia laid down in the National Security Law, President Edgars Rinkēvičs submitted a recommendation to the Saeima on 21 November to approve Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns as the new Commander of the National Armed Forces.
“After assessing the professional experience, education and qualifications of Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns, as well as his demonstrated skills and ability to cooperate as Commander of the National Guard, I have concluded that he is suitable for the position of Commander of the National Armed Forces," stated President Rinkēvičs, justifying his decision to appoint General Pudāns as the next Commander of the National Armed Forces following the conclusion of Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalņiņš' tenure.
"It is my expectation that the next Commander of the National Armed Forces will take clear and effective action to strengthen national defence. To achieve this, it is essential to enhance our deterrence and defence capabilities on land, in the air, at sea, in cyberspace, to motivate every soldier, to encourage the society, to develop technologies and to collaborate closely with NATO allies," President Edgars Rinkēvičs said.