Saeima approves Pudans' appointment as National Armed Forces Commander

RIGA - The Saeima on Thursday approved Brigadier General Kaspars Pudans' appointment to the post of Commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF).

Pudans' appointment was confirmed by 88 votes, with MP Edvads Smiltens (United List) abstaining.

A change of command ceremony in which Pudans will take over NAF command from Lieutenant General Leonids Kalnins will take place on January 24, 2025.

Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) said at Thursday's Saeima meeting, that Pudans has already provided a huge contribution and will continue to do so also in the future. The minister noted Pudans' education, international experience and authority.

The defense minister also highly appreciated Pudans' past performance as Commander of the Latvian National Guard.

"I have no doubt that we will be in safe hands, so I wish that the flag of our armed forces be also held high," Spruds stressed.

Pudans was nominated for the post of NAF commander by President Edgars Rinkevics, and all three partners in the government coalition pledged support for the candidate.

Pudans has stressed the need to develop the armed forces' existing resources to bolster Latvia's defense capabilities. He asserted that he knew what needs to be done in his post to make the country's armed forces even stronger.

Pudans has more than 20 years of service experience in the NAF, serving in the Land Forces, National Guard, NAF Joint Staff. He has gained international service experience in the international operation in Afghanistan, as well as in his duties as Military Representative at the NATO/EU Military Representation in Brussels.

According to the Law on the National Armed Forces, the National Armed Forces Commander is approved by the Saeima for a four-year term of office and dismissed from his post upon the proposal of the President of the Republic.

The current NAF Commander, Leonids Kalnins, is due to leave his post in January 2025.

Pudans is due to take command of the Latvian National Armed Forces on January 27, 2025.