Latvia’s foreign minister did “overwork”, but even more outrageously – resigns from his post – 2024-03-29 01:06:09

Krišjānis Kariņš will continue as Latvia’s foreign minister until April 10. TOMS KALNINS, AOP

Latvian Foreign Minister Krišjānis Kariņš has announced his resignation.

According to the Guardian, Kariņš is alleged to have used up to 1.3 million euros of state money to rent private planes for his official trips during his tenure as prime minister.

Kariņš’s misuse of state funds came to light last week. The Attorney General of Latvia then started an investigation into the misuse of state funds.

– I will give my resignation to Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, Kariņš commented. He will continue as foreign minister until April 10.

The law on public procurement in Latvia specifies that civil servants must use the cheapest available services for official trips.

Kariņš chartered private jets a dozen times to fly to countries with direct flights from Riga, the capital of Latvia. Kariņš rented a private plane to fly to Belgium, Germany and Poland, among others.

Kariņš, who was born in the United States, served as Prime Minister of Latvia in 2019–2023. He resigned as the government’s popularity waned.

Kariņš’s resignation was reported by The Guardian.