Evika Siliņa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Evika Siliņa
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Siliņa in 2023
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| 24th Prime Minister of Latvia | |
| Assumed office 15 September 2023 |
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| President | Edgars Rinkēvičs |
| Preceded by | Krišjānis Kariņš |
| Minister of Welfare | |
| In office 14 December 2022 – 15 September 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Krišjānis Kariņš |
| Preceded by | Gatis Eglītis |
| Succeeded by | Uldis Augulis |
| Member of the Saeima | |
| In office 1 November 2022 – 14 December 2022 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 August 1975 Riga, Latvia |
| Political party | Unity |
| Other political affiliations |
Reform Party (formerly) |
| Spouse | Aigars Siliņš |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Latvia Riga Graduate School of Law |
Evika Siliņa (born 3 August 1975) is a Latvian lawyer and politician. She has been the prime minister of Latvia since 15 September 2023. Before becoming prime minister, she was the Minister of Welfare from 2022 to 2023. Evika Siliņa is a member of the Unity political party. She is also the second woman to lead the government of Latvia.
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Evika Siliņa's Early Life
Evika Siliņa was born in Riga, Latvia, on 3 August 1975. She studied law at the University of Latvia from 1993 to 1997. Later, she earned a master's degree in international and European law from the Riga Graduate School of Law.
From 2003 to 2012, Siliņa worked as a lawyer. She focused on business law for both international and local companies. Her clients included businesses in telecommunications and IT, as well as government groups.
Evika Siliņa's Political Journey
Siliņa began her political career in 2011. She ran for election in Riga with the Zatlers' Reform Party, but she was not elected. From 2011 to 2012, she worked as a legal adviser for the Minister of Interior.
Working in the Ministry of Interior
From January 2013 to January 2019, Siliņa served as the Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Interior. During this time, she was known for being open with journalists. She also represented the Ministry in important international groups. These included the United Nations, INTERPOL, and CEPOL.
After this, she became the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. This role started on 23 January 2019, when Krišjānis Kariņš became Prime Minister.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In the 2022 Latvian parliamentary election, Siliņa ran as a candidate for the New Unity party. She was elected and became a member of the 14th Saeima, which is Latvia's parliament.
On 6 December 2022, Siliņa was chosen to be the Minister of Welfare in Krišjānis Kariņš' government. The new government was officially approved on 14 December.
Goals as Minister of Welfare
As Minister of Welfare, one of her main goals was to increase the minimum income for people. She also worked on important projects related to European Union funds. In July 2023, her Ministry brought the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for approval. This convention aims to prevent violence against women.
Prime Minister of Latvia (2023–Present)
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On 16 August 2023, the previous Prime Minister, Krišjānis Kariņš, resigned. The New Unity party then suggested Evika Siliņa as a candidate for the next prime minister. On 24 August, the President, Edgars Rinkēvičs, asked her to form a new government.
After some discussions with other parties, Siliņa announced her plan for a new government. This government would include her New Unity party, the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), and The Progressives (P).
Government Goals
On 15 September 2023, the parliament (Saeima) voted to approve Siliņa's government. She received 53 votes. In her speech, she talked about making Latvia more inclusive. This means focusing on things like gender equality. For the Russian-speaking minority, her government aims to help them integrate better into the Latvian education system. The government also plans to increase spending on the military. They also want to finish building a barrier on the border with Russia and Belarus.
Evika Siliņa is the second woman to become prime minister of Latvia. The first was Laimdota Straujuma, who served from 2014 to 2016.
Evika Siliņa's Personal Life
Evika Siliņa is married to Aigars Siliņš. They have three children together. Besides her native language of Latvian, Siliņa also speaks English and Russian very well.
See also
- List of political parties in Latvia
- Category:New Unity politicians
