President of Latvia recommends Saeima to approve Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš for a second term as Chief of the Defence Staff

On 2 December, President of Latvia Egils Levits signed a letter calling Speaker of the Saeima Ināra Mūrniece to consider approving National Armed Force (NAF) Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš for a second term as Chief of the Defence Staff.

In his letter President Levits praises Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš for his excellent leadership that has enabled NAF to grow and develop. ‘During his tenure, Leonīds Kalniņš has shown that he is a truly professional and competent army officer who knows how to lead his men. Under his command NAF have developed into a well-trained and highly ready force that can engage in national defence with all combat capabilities at any time,’ pointed out the President.

According to Article 8.1.5 of the National Security Law and Article 14.1 of the National Armed Forces Law, in appreciation of LtGen Kalniņš’ previous achievements as Chief of the Defence Staff, Egils Levits recommends to approve Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš for a second term as Chief of the Defence Staff.

Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš will mark his four years as the Chief of the Defence Staff on 27 January 2021.