Latvian Prime Minister Defends Olympic Delegation Size, Cites Work Obligations Alongside games
Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa is defending the size of the Latvian official delegation attending the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Milan adn Cortina, Italy, emphasizing that the trip is not solely recreational but also a crucial opportunity for diplomatic engagement. The debate over delegation size comes amid broader discussions about expense reduction within the government.
Siliņa addressed concerns on Wednesday following a meeting with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, stating that the number of accompanying persons is dictated by the International Olympic Committee and is already limited. “It is a very limited number of people, and we have taken that into account,” she explained.
The Prime minister also revealed she did not attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Games due to the demands of drafting the state budget. This underscores her commitment to fiscal obligation while acknowledging the importance of official depiction at major international events.
“It is important that our athletes also feel the support of the officials,” Siliņa asserted. “These games are not only the olympics for me, but also work. I will have to meet officials whom I may not be able to meet at other times. Accordingly, this is how we make up the number of my accompanying persons who travel with us.” She further clarified that numerous receptions and official functions during the Games require the presence of government representatives. “I will be at work. I also want to meet our athletes.”
Siliņa, a self-described winter sports enthusiast who enjoys skating and skiing, expressed particular enthusiasm for the upcoming Games. “I really sympathize with our skiers, I really want our girls to win. Of course, nothing without hockey,” she said, highlighting the national importance of both sports. “we are more of a winter sports country. Winter joys are not available to other countries at all.”
Responding directly to questions about potential cuts to the delegation,Siliņa was firm: “No,the number is as steadfast by the Olympic Committee,and it is indeed not higher,maybe even lower.”
The Latvian delegation to the “Milano-Cortina 2026” winter Olympic Games will include Siliņa, President Rinkēvičs, and Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde as guests of honor. Siliņa will be accompanied by three members of her office: Ieva Zīberga, her chief of staff; Skaidrīti Zarāni, a protocol consultant; and Paula Muizinika, a digital dialogue consultant. President Rinkēvičs will also travel with a team of three,including gundus Reiris,head of the Office of the President; Edvinas Severus,an advisor on foreign affairs; and Sabini Švani-Stankevičs,head of protocol.
The Ministry of Education and Science will also be represented, with parliamentary secretary Dāvis Mārtiņš Daugavietis attending the opening ceremony without accompanying personnel and Minister Melbārde attending the closing ceremony with a maximum of one accompanying person, whose identity has not yet been announced.
Latvia is sending its largest-ever Winter olympic delegation, with 68 athletes competing in nine sports across five groups. The Games, taking place from February 6 to 22 in six clusters throughout Northern Italy – Milan, Anterselva, Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, and Predaco-Tesero – represent a meaningful opportunity for Latvian athletes to showcase their talent on the world stage and for the nation’s leade
