"I am not satisfied with the fact that for more than half a year we have not had a police chief. I am not satisfied with the fact there was a competition and as far as I understand this competition was not successful," said Kariņš.
He said it was important this post is taken by somebody. "But I cannot say I am satisfied with the process that has happened so far, especially the long time period," said Kariņš.
He also said that the candidate currently in contention - Criminal Investigation Board chief Armands Ruks - seems to meet the requirements. "At least, after more than half a year, we will have a new State police chief," said the Prime Minister.
Armands Ruks was appointed for the post outside the competition. This was criticized by leadership expert who said that this step showed open competitions in a bad light. The Prime Minister did not comment on his stance about appointing a police chief without competition.
Last year, former police chief Ints Ķuzis stepped down from his post. Since then, there has been a competition with three possible candidates, but at the beginning of October, Interior Minister Sandis Ģirģens suggeste Armands Ruks for the position outside the competition.
