New State Chancellery Director Gorkšs Pledges Data-Driven Policy and Change in Work Culture
Kaspars Gorkšs, confirmed on Tuesday as director of Latvia's State Chancellery, named data-based policy, efficient use of the budget and a results-oriented approach as his core principles. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs says the office must help deliver reforms in public administration.
The Latvian government on Tuesday confirmed Kaspars Gorkšs, director general of the Latvian Employers' Confederation (LDDK), as director of the State Chancellery. The chancellery is the body that supports the work of the prime minister and the government, and its director is the highest-ranking civil service official. Gorkšs will start in the new post on 16 November.
The post fell vacant after the previous head, Raivis Kronbergs, left the position following his detention in the so-called timber industrialists' case.
Three core principles
Speaking to journalists after the cabinet meeting, Gorkšs outlined three principles. The first is data-based policy, so that the Cabinet of Ministers can handle decisions quickly and efficiently. The second is efficient use of state budget funds: he intends to eliminate duplicated functions and to review and digitalise processes. The third is a shift in work culture from process to results. In his view, the chancellery should set an example for the rest of public administration and monitor how decisions are carried out, including at intermediate stages.
Gorkšs acknowledged that Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' (United List) goal of the most efficient public administration in Europe is no small ambition, but said it is achievable.
The prime minister's expectations
Kulbergs said many people ask how someone without public administration experience can lead the chancellery, but he sees it as an advantage, since an outside, critical view is needed. According to him, the director will have to coordinate work in the ministries as well, so that changes do not stay on paper. He said cutting costs requires reviewing the functions of public administration rather than "linear cuts".
Kulbergs also named as key tasks the oversight of state-owned companies, putting the information and communication technology (ICT) area in order, and introducing artificial intelligence in public administration. He criticised the fact that ICT procurement and systems are spread across many institutions.
First steps
Gorkšs said his main motivation to apply was a wish to bring the experience gained at LDDK into public administration. His first task, he said, is to get to know the chancellery's work, and he will present his plans in more detail afterwards. Kulbergs advised him to begin by meeting the chancellery's 178 employees.
At the cabinet meeting Gorkšs said he currently has employment relations with LDDK and the Jūrmala Football School, so about a month is needed before he can start.
