Pīlēns' presidential candidacy officially submitted

On Wednesday, May 10, the nomination of businessman Uldis Pīlēns for presidential office has been submitted to the Saeima, the head of the United List parliamentary faction Edgars Tavars said on Twitter.

The founder of the United List political alliance, businessman Uldis Pīlēns, was also the first to announce his start in the forthcoming presidential elections of Latvia at the end of May. The United List and Latvia First factions have stated their support for Pīlēns. These two forces have 24 out of 100 votes in the Saeima.

 

 

Subsequently, the incumbent President of Latvia, Egils Levits, announced his readiness to run, though he has yet to officially submit the necessary documents. Support for Levits has been announced by the National Alliance and the New Unity. These two coalition forces have 39 votes. Consequently, neither of the candidates have the clear support of 51 Members needed to be elected.

The Union of Greens and Farmers promised to discuss their candidate for president, the Progressives said they would name their candidate on May 11, but For Stability! announced that they would not support Levits. There is also one unattached Saeima deputy – scandal-prone Glorija Grevcova – and it is not inconceivable that she might end up with the 'golden ticket' vote to give one or other of the candidates the 51 votes required for victory.

Meanwhile, according to a public survey, the population's support for Pīlēns is bigger than that for Levits but a third would like to see someone else entirely take office.

The names of candidates can be submitted to the Saeima from May 9 to 13.

The presidential vote will take place on May 31, 2023. For a full account of how the president is chosen on voting day, check this story from our archives. In addition, the official presidential website has plenty of information in English.

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