Aivars Puriņš, the state secretary of the Ministry of Defense, who has worked for only two years, has praised his work, and his last working day will be May 31. Annual salary – a little over 50,000 euros. At the end of 2023, the long-time state secretary Jānis Garisons left the post.
He cited differences of opinion with the minister Andri Sprudu (“Progressives”), without further explanation. Most likely – also with Purinu Spruds disagreed, but in order to hide his great competence in matters of national defense, Spruds wished the reasons for Purinis’ departure to be “increased pressure on the defense industry”, because “unfounded claims and accusations are circulated in the public space, trying to question the progress of the industry or undermine trust”, Spruds explained.
Don’t want to give your name
All these are, of course, premeditated speeches and preparations for the elections. It’s not the first time Sprude has had a “disagreement” with someone. But to take an excellent specialist out of the ministry within two years – you have to understand that. It turns out that Puriņš wanted to leave the ministry three months ago. Prior to that, Puriņš was an advisor to the President on national security issues, secretary of the National Security Council. From 2019 to 2023, he was a defense adviser, head of the representatives of the Ministry of Defense in NATO and the European Union, while from 2015 to 2019 he worked as the Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense for security issues.
But the strangeness seems to lie elsewhere. Several members of the Saeima we spoke to, who have to do with national defense issues, and former politicians do not want to talk about Purina if their name is mentioned. Anonymity as protection? Against what?
One of the members of the Saeima, who is related to national defense issues, said that recently many civil servants endowed with good knowledge and skills have left the Ministry of Defense. The deputy’s guess: difficulties in working with the minister and his team. “Some say: it’s good that new people are coming to the ministry. Of course, generations have to change, but the departure of employees is related to the fact that it’s difficult to work together. And the reason is not some kind of pressure from the outside – as Sprud claims,” says the deputy.
A defense industry specialist, who also did not want to be identified, was known to say that the environment of the Ministry of Defense is toxic. “The attitude of the minister and his politburo is that a lot of people have left. I used to think that the Ministry of Defense was stable, with high professionalism and hierarchy. Now it’s all messed up. Those who had a lot of experience are gone. I think that the state secretary, who has a huge responsibility on his shoulders, doesn’t understand what Sprud really wants. Above all, of course, to win the election,” says the military specialist.
He also believes that the institution known as the Ministry of Defense is defunct. “Military knowledge is of great importance, and you won’t jump higher than your own bottom,” the specialist laughs, “but now the ministry is pushing papers without achieving concrete results. Everything is in a rut. Purinš is gone from the ministry, babies are being taken instead, but defense is an industry where you can’t learn everything in a couple of days. The ministry has a politburo full of idiots. And then everyone is surprised that people vote for in the elections for all kinds of funny lists.”
Another version emerged from those interviewed who wished to remain anonymous. The “progressives” change the top officials in the ministries they oversee, in order to get more reliable candidates approved in their place by the beginning of the term of office of the new government. We were invited to watch what would happen in other “Progressive” ministries. Why is that – the answer is simple: after the elections, even if the relevant ministry will not be under the control of the “Progressives”, its highest official can always be useful in the economy of political influence.
Not the best situation
Igors Rajevs, who does not belong to factions, did not shy away from naming himself. “I don’t know the exact details, but I think he had the same problems as Garrison to Mr., who left the ministry in 2023. They could not work together. The next secretary of state – after Garrison – soon left as well. I will prepare a separate report on this matter. I already expressed my opinion in the last vote: about expressing no confidence in Minister Sprud.”
Saeima deputy Raimonds Bergmanis (AS): “There comes a moment when the bucket is full, and this must have been such a moment. When I worked with Garrison and Puriņš, I never had any “character differences”. When Sprud became a minister, his office changed a lot. The previous people in the office were very knowledgeable. Both Garrison and Puriņš were and are very competent in the military field. Yesterday, while watching “Panorama”, I was surprised that Puriņš was leaving the post of state secretary only on the rolling tape. It was so insignificant during the war, as they say, it was talked about in the city tram a long time ago.”
Bergmanis, describing Purina, said that he did not wield swords, so it is difficult to understand what forced Spruda to make the decision to let Purina go. Maybe finally wave the sword over Trigger’s head? Bergmanis believes that changing state secretaries in the Ministry of Defense so often is a dangerous thing, because you will not meet them at every corner of the park: it is a specific industry that requires special knowledge.
Bergmanis reminded that one of the criteria for a person to work in the Ministry of Defense is not money, but confidence in national defense. Of course, there were discussions, but after that everyone came to a common decision. “Now they will appoint an executive, but I have absolutely no idea who could apply and win. It must be a person with specific experience. In addition, if people see what is happening in the ministry, will there be many who want to apply to work there? It will also be difficult objectively: election time. And what about the amount of work! At the moment, the Ministry of Defense is not in the best situation.”
