JKP Submits Candidate List for Saeima Elections; Changes from Earlier Presentation

On Wednesday, July 3, the New Conservative Party (JKP) submitted its candidate list for the autumn Saeima elections to the Central Election Commission. The composition differs from that presented in mid-June — lawyer Mārtiņš Drāke and civil protection expert and entrepreneur Mārtiņš Hudolejs, previously listed among Riga's leaders, are absent.

The party's prime ministerial candidate and former State Chancellery director Jānis Citskovskis is the lead candidate in the Riga district. The Kurzeme list is headed by JKP board member and lawyer Daiga Pirogova, Latgale by board member Pēteris Aglonietis, Zemgale by board member Mārtiņš Štāls, and Vidzeme by Guntis Bībers.

Other notable candidates: In Kurzeme, singer Ieva Akuratere, maritime entrepreneur Didzis Zīraps, and Kuldīga branch head Evita Pētersone. In Latgale, State Border Guard senior specialist Iveta Šeršņeva. In Zemgale, financier Artis Ramutis, entrepreneur Jānis Brokāns, and former Saeima deputy Aivars Geidāns. In Vidzeme, breeder Jānis Rukšāns and entrepreneur Eriks Eisaks. In Riga, military expert Vilmārs Vītoliņš, JKP board chairman Sigords Stradiņš, IT entrepreneur Mārtiņš Bērziņš, Riga branch head Rihards Mikas, former deputy Eva Mārtuža, and others. In total, the list includes 85 candidates.

Citskovskis led the State Chancellery from 2017 until July 2024, when he was demoted over the so-called Kariņš flights scandal involving former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, after which he resigned. He is currently the sole accused in the Kariņš flights case — prosecutors charge him with failing to perform official duties, resulting in serious consequences, but he denies any wrongdoing.

JKP received only 1.5% of the vote in the 2024 European Parliament elections and failed to enter the 14th Saeima, prompting several prominent members to leave. In the 13th Saeima, the party held 16 seats and was part of a coalition with New Unity, the National Alliance, and Development/For!