Ex-PM Kucinskis might run in European Parliament elections on United List ticket

RIGA - Former prime minister Maris Kucinskis (United List) might be one of candidates running in this year's European Parliament elections on the United List ticket, the politician confirmed to LETA. 

Asked about unofficial reports that he might join the United List's ticket in the upcoming European Parliament elections, MP Kucinskis said that he has agreed to run in the elections, but added that the board of the party has yet to decide on the electoral list. 

According to the ex-premier, the United List believes that in these European Parliament elections, which "due to the volatile external situation is more important than ever, it is necessary to unite all forces". Kucinskis voiced this position in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, stressing that Ukraine will still need a lot of support. 

Kucinskis also noted that until now Latvia has been reinforcing its eastern border largely on its own but that awareness should be raised that this is an external border of the EU that needs more EU support, the lawmaker noted.

In Kucinskis' words, efforts must also be made to reduce illegal migration. Europe is "opening its eyes" to the fact that illegal migration is not about refugees fleeing war and that work must be done to reduce security risks, the politician said.

The board of the United List plans to decide on its candidates for the European Parliament elections at the end of January.

Latvia will hold the European Parliament elections at the beginning of June.