Krišjānis Kariņš

Kariņš was born in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, to a Latvian American family.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/latvia-gets-a-new-government-led-by-krisjanis-karins.a306967/|title=Latvia gets a new government led by Krišjānis Kariņš|date=23 January 2019|publisher=Public Broadcasting of Latvia|language=en|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105003739/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/latvia-gets-a-new-government-led-by-krisjanis-karins.a306967/|url-status=live}} As child refugees, his parents, with their respective families, fled the Soviet re-occupation of Latvia in 1944, grew up, met and married in Sweden before migrating to the United States. His father, Uldis, was a civil engineer who in 1973 founded the engineering, planning and surveying firm Karins and Associates in Delaware,{{cite news |last1=Espenberg |first1=Allan |title=Täna Tallinna külastav Krišjānis Kariņš juhib Lätis viitsütikuga pommi |url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/939280/tana-tallinna-kulastav-krisjanis-karins-juhib-latis-viitsutikuga-pommi |work=Õhtuleht |date=8 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520134943/https://www.ohtuleht.ee/939280/tana-tallinna-kulastav-krisjanis-karins-juhib-latis-viitsutikuga-pommi |archive-date=2022-05-20 |language=et |url-status=live}} which would later go on to acquire other companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.{{cite news |title=Karins announces acquisition of Momenee |url=https://www.capegazette.com/article/karins-announces-acquisition-momenee/102254 |work=Cape Gazette |date=April 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904012541/https://www.capegazette.com/article/karins-announces-acquisition-momenee/102254 |archive-date=2023-09-04 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Owens |first1=Jacob |title=Karins and Associates acquires Adams-Kemp |url=https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/karins-and-associates-acquires-adams-kemp/ |work=Delaware Business Times |date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904012629/https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/karins-and-associates-acquires-adams-kemp/ |archive-date=2023-09-04 |url-status=live}}

According to Kariņš, he and his older sister were the only two ethnic Latvian children in their elementary school. His family was active in Delaware's Latvian community, regularly attending Latvian church and Sunday school, singing in Latvian choirs, and attending and later working at Latvian summer camps including Garezers in Michigan.{{Cite web|url=http://laikraksts.com/raksti/raksts.php?KursRaksts=1854|title=Krišjānis Kariņš|last=Nāgels|first=Gunārs|website=Laikraksts Latvietis|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-26|archive-date=2020-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607022247/http://laikraksts.com/raksti/raksts.php?KursRaksts=1854|url-status=live}} Throughout his youth, Kariņš played guitar and drums with his Latvian friends in a band that traveled throughout the United States and played at events such as weddings. He also took part in demonstrations in Washington, D.C., against the Soviet occupation. Kariņš first visited Latvia in 1984 and he spent summers there until moving to the country full-time in 1997.

After graduating from high school, Kariņš studied at the Münster Latvian Gymnasium in 1983. One of his teachers was Egils Levits, who was elected President of Latvia in 2019 a few months after Kariņš would become prime minister.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/levits-savulaik-bijis-karina-skolotajs.a320822/|title=Levits savulaik bijis Kariņa skolotājs|last=Rozenberga|first=Māra|date=30 May 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-06-02|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530140903/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/levits-savulaik-bijis-karina-skolotajs.a320822/|url-status=live}} From 1984 to 1986, he studied at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, before switching to a linguistics program at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated summa cum laude in 1988.{{Cite web|date=2016-03-02|title=Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš|url=https://mk.gov.lv/en/amatpersonas/krisjanis-karins-0|access-date=2020-08-07|website=State Chancellery of the Republic of Latvia|language=en|archive-date=2020-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921102755/https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/amatpersonas/krisjanis-karins-0|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.karins.lv/curriculum-vitae/|title=Curriculum Vitae|website=Krišjānis Kariņš|language=lv-LV|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116072247/http://www.karins.lv/curriculum-vitae/|archive-date=2014-01-16|url-status=dead}} In 1990, he received a grant from the American government to take Russian language classes in Leningrad, and in 1994, he received another government scholarship to study pitch accents and to teach sociolinguistics courses as a guest lecturer at the University of Latvia.{{Cite web|url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/312976-vai-karinam-tresa-reize-bus-veiksmiga-ar-bungam-uz-premjera-amatu|title=Vai Kariņam trešā reize būs veiksmīga? Ar bungām uz premjera amatu|last=Landmanis|first=Uldis|date=10 January 2019|website=Jauns.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509104626/https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/312976-vai-karinam-tresa-reize-bus-veiksmiga-ar-bungam-uz-premjera-amatu|url-status=live}} In 1996, Kariņš finished a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and specialized in the field of automatic speech recognition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/amatpersonas/krisjanis-karins-0|title=Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš|date=2016-03-02|publisher=Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia|language=en|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=2020-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619155847/https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/amatpersonas/krisjanis-karins-0|url-status=live}}

Soon after, he moved to Latvia, where he intended on teaching language but was denied a teaching position as an academic due to inexperience in teaching. Instead, he founded Lāču ledus, a producer and distributor of ice and frozen foods, that he led until 2002.{{Cite magazine|last=Vetris|first=Edmunds|url=http://balticmagazine.com/the-new-prime-minister-of-latvia-krisjanis-karins-stated-that-he-did-not-think-about-giving-up-his-second-citizenship/|title=The new Prime Minister of Latvia, Krisjanis Karins, stated that he did not think about giving up his second citizenship|date=4 February 2019|magazine=Baltic Business Magazine|language=en|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507071556/http://balticmagazine.com/the-new-prime-minister-of-latvia-krisjanis-karins-stated-that-he-did-not-think-about-giving-up-his-second-citizenship/|url-status=live}} According to Kariņš, negative experiences working with the Latvian bureaucracy during his time in business was his original inspiration for joining Latvian politics. He was also briefly the president of an automobile and office supplies company called Formula from 1999 to 2000.{{Cite web|url=https://www.db.lv/zinas/ministru-prezidenta-krisjana-karina-biografija-483542|title=Ministru prezidenta Krišjāņa Kariņa biogrāfija|website=Dienas Bizness|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509104914/https://www.db.lv/zinas/ministru-prezidenta-krisjana-karina-biografija-483542|url-status=live}}

File:Flickr - Saeima - 9.Saeimas deputāts Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš.jpg]]

In the early 2000s, Einars Repše invited Kariņš to take part in the founding of the New Era Party, and Kariņš helped write the party's original platform. He was elected to the Saeima on the party's ticket in October 2002, with New Era becoming the single largest party in parliament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/jaunais-laiks-un-tautas-partija-nevienojas.d?id=4079496|title='Jaunais laiks' un Tautas partija nevienojas|date=11 October 2002|website=Delfi.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610114304/https://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/jaunais-laiks-un-tautas-partija-nevienojas.d?id=4079496|url-status=live}} While in the Saeima, he served on the education, culture, and science committee as well as on the constitutional committee. He also served as the chairman of the parliamentary faction of New Era from 2002 to 2004.

Upon the resignation of prime minister Einars Repše in early 2004, Kariņš was discussed as a candidate to become the next prime minister. However, he was passed over by President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga in favor of Indulis Emsis, and again in favor of Aigars Kalvitīs after Emsis's resignation a few months later. He instead became Minister for Economics in the First Kalvītis cabinet from December 2004 to April 2006. According to Kariņš, he had a contentious relationship with Kalvītis during his time as minister. In April 2006, Kariņš was threatened with prosecution due to his relationship with a company that allegedly misused EU funds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apollo.lv/4886026/kriminalprocesa-draudus-karins-uzskata-par-konkurentu-atbildi|title=Kriminālprocesa draudus Kariņš uzskata par konkurentu atbildi|date=2006-04-03|website=Apollo.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510112900/https://www.apollo.lv/4886026/kriminalprocesa-draudus-karins-uzskata-par-konkurentu-atbildi|url-status=live}} Although Kariņš initially refused to resign, his entire New Era party left the government on 6 April 2006 due to an ongoing conflict with Kalvītis and his People's Party.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apollo.lv/4889282/koalicija-bus-bez-jl|title=Koalīcija būs bez JL|date=2006-04-06|website=Apollo.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510112836/https://www.apollo.lv/4889282/koalicija-bus-bez-jl|url-status=live}}

Kariņš was re-elected to the Saeima on 7 October 2006. Although New Era was tied for the second largest party in parliament with 18 seats, the party did not re-join Kalvītis's coalition and remained in opposition.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5416778.stm|title=Latvian coalition retains power|date=8 October 2006|work=BBC|access-date=2019-05-10|language=en-GB|archive-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510155917/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5416778.stm|url-status=live}} In March 2007 Kariņš became one of two co-leaders of New Era together with Repše. When New Era voted to merge with the Unity party in July 2011, Kariņš became a member of Unity. In July 2017, he criticized five members of parliament who left Unity for the new For! party as being primarily motivated by their re-election prospects, and indicated that he would not be leaving the party as his "values had not changed."{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvnet.lv/4564252/karins-no-vienotibas-aizgajuso-deputatu-iesaiste-par-ir-manevrs|title=Kariņš: No "Vienotības" aizgājušo deputātu iesaiste "Par" ir manevrs|date=26 July 2017|website=TVNET|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513122551/https://www.tvnet.lv/4564252/karins-no-vienotibas-aizgajuso-deputatu-iesaiste-par-ir-manevrs|url-status=live}} He remained a member when the party was renamed "New Unity" in April 2018.

File:High-level Conference on Energy 'Europe’s Future Electricity Market' Miguel Arias Cañete, Krišjānis Kariņš and Johannes Tralla (36484018084).jpg

In July 2009, Kariņš became a Member of European Parliament. He was a Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, substitute in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and was a substitute in the Special Committee on Tax Rulings and Other Measures Similar in Nature or Effect. In the Parliament he was part of the European People's Party, the largest political grouping the parliament. He was also a member of the Reconciliation of European Histories Group.{{cite web|title=About Us – Reconciliation of European Histories Group|date=21 April 2010 |url=http://eureconciliation.wordpress.com/about/|publisher=Reconciliation of European Histories Group|access-date=1 August 2011|archive-date=1 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101164923/http://eureconciliation.wordpress.com/about/|url-status=live}} Kariņš was re-elected at the 2014 European Parliament election.

In a May 2015 interview, Kariņš argued in favor of Latvia accepting its controversial quota of refugees proposed by the European Union in order to alleviate the European migrant crisis, saying that in the future Latvia would expect help from other EU countries in settling Ukrainian migrants from a potential major crisis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/karins-beglu-jautajumam-latvija-ir-simboliska-nozime.a129998/|title=Kariņš: Bēgļu jautājumam Latvijā ir simboliska nozīme|date=18 May 2015|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509191800/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/karins-beglu-jautajumam-latvija-ir-simboliska-nozime.a129998/|url-status=live}}

Upon assuming the prime ministership, Aleksejs Loskutovs took his seat in European Parliament.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/loskutovs-poised-to-take-karins-seat-in-european-parliament.a306882/|title=Loskutovs poised to take Kariņš' seat in European Parliament|date=22 January 2019|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-07|archive-date=2019-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507080252/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/loskutovs-poised-to-take-karins-seat-in-european-parliament.a306882/|url-status=live}}

• Industry, Research and Energy
• Committee of Inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector
• Special committee on financial crimes, tax evasion and tax avoidance

On 23 April 2018, Kariņš was announced as New Unity's candidate for the Latvian premiership for the 2018 election. He decided not to run for election to the Saeima, instead choosing to maintain his seat in the European Parliament. In announcing his candidacy, he criticized the Kučinskis government as "foolish," even though five of the thirteen ministers were fellow members of New Unity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/vienotibas-premjera-amata-kandidats-bus-krisjanis-karins.a276027/|title="Vienotības" premjera amata kandidāts būs Krišjānis Kariņš|last1=Māris|first1=Klūga|last2=Bērtule|first2=Anete|date=April 23, 2018|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510064123/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/vienotibas-premjera-amata-kandidats-bus-krisjanis-karins.a276027/|url-status=live}} Despite polls predicting as late as July that New Unity would not receive the minimum 5% share of the vote necessary for election to the Saeima,{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/kpv-lv-ielauzas-popularako-partiju-trijnieka.a286580/|title="KPV LV" ielaužas populārāko partiju trijniekā|last=Krenberga|first=Odita|date=25 July 2018|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509181357/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/kpv-lv-ielauzas-popularako-partiju-trijnieka.a286580/|url-status=live}} the party was able to stage a comeback and on 6 October was elected as the smallest of seven parties with just eight seats.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/election/latvian-election-results-show-shape-of-new-saeima.a295038/|title=Latvian election results show shape of new Saeima|date=6 October 2018|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509181352/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/election/latvian-election-results-show-shape-of-new-saeima.a295038/|url-status=live}}

On 7 January 2019, he was tasked by Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis with forming the next government, following the failures of previous nominees Jānis Bordāns and Aldis Gobzems in a contentious negotiation process.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/krisjanis-karins-nominated-to-be-latvias-next-prime-minister.a304989/|title=Krišjānis Kariņš nominated to be Latvia's next Prime Minister|date=7 January 2019|publisher=Public Broadcasting of Latvia|language=en|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=6 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606003052/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/krisjanis-karins-nominated-to-be-latvias-next-prime-minister.a304989/|url-status=live}} In accepting the nomination, Kariņš announced that his government's priorities would include financial sector reform, education reform, anti-corruption action, and liquidation of a controversial green energy surcharge that had been abused by companies in previous years. Mayor of Ventspils Aivars Lembergs called on Kariņš, a dual citizen of both the United States and Latvia, to give up his American citizenship while the prime minister,{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltictimes.com/krisjanis_karins_should_renounce_one_of_his_citizenships/|title=Krisjanis Karins should renounce one of his citizenships|date=9 January 2019|publisher=The Baltic Times|language=en|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507072945/https://www.baltictimes.com/krisjanis_karins_should_renounce_one_of_his_citizenships/|url-status=live}} but he refused to do so.

Kariņš took office as prime minister on 23 January 2019, leading a broad centre-right coalition of five conservative and liberal parties that includes KPV LV, New Conservative Party, Development/For!, National Alliance and New Unity. The Union of Greens and Farmers and Harmony parties went into opposition, as did independent Member of Parliament Jūlija Stepaņenko.{{Cite web|url=https://bnn-news.com/latvian-coalition-parties-sign-karins-s-government-declaration-196377|title=Latvian coalition parties sign Kariņš's government declaration|date=23 January 2019|publisher=Baltic News Network|language=en|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501123821/https://bnn-news.com/latvian-coalition-parties-sign-karins-s-government-declaration-196377|url-status=live}}

Kariņš led his party into the 2019 European Parliament elections in Latvia. His party lost half of their seats, going to 2 from 4.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/election/european-parliament-election-results-announced-in-latvia.a320401/|title=European Parliament election results announced / Article / Eng.lsm.lv|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2020-01-07|archive-date=2019-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216133116/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/election/european-parliament-election-results-announced-in-latvia.a320401/|url-status=live}}

In June 2022, the New Unity party announced that Kariņš would once again serve as their candidate for prime minister.{{Cite news |last=Līcīte |first=Madara |date=18 June 2022 |title="Jaunās Vienotības" premjera amata kandidāts nākamajās Saeimas vēlēšanās būs Kariņš |work=LSM |url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/jaunas-vienotibas-premjera-amata-kandidats-nakamajas-saeimas-velesanas-bus-karins.a462063/ |access-date=}} On September 9, the Latvian Association of Journalists criticized Kariņš for not participating in public debates and being overly selective for which interview programs he appeared on.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-09 |title=Žurnālistu asociācija aicina Kariņu neizvairīties no piedalīšanās priekšvēlēšanu debatēs |url=https://www.tvnet.lv/7602009/zurnalistu-asociacija-aicina-karinu-neizvairities-no-piedalisanas-prieksvelesanu-debates |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Latvijā |language=lv}}

{{See also|First Kariņš cabinet{{!}}First Kariņš cabinet (2019–2022)|Second Kariņš cabinet{{!}}Second Kariņš cabinet (2022–2023)}}

File:Opinion polling for Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš.svg

File:Karins Bordans cabinet formation 2019 (31905986277).jpg signing the coalition agreement that would form the Kariņš cabinet in January 2019.]]

During his confirmation session, Kariņš promised that his government would be "evolutionary, not revolutionary”, and announced a seven-point program that prioritized financial sector reform, implementing anti-corruption measures, continuing the Kučinskis government's education reforms, improving but not overhauling the health care system, eliminating the controversial green energy subsidy, reducing the number of administrative divisions, and addressing "demographic issues."{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-ar-61-balsi-apstiprina-karina-valdibu.a306979/|title=Saeima ar 61 balsi apstiprina Kariņa valdību|date=23 January 2018|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108122542/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/saeima-ar-61-balsi-apstiprina-karina-valdibu.a306979/|url-status=live}} On 5 April 2019, he supported Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Juris Pūce's action in dismissing long-serving Mayor of Riga Nils Ušakovs from his position due to multiple violations of the law.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/premjers-uzticas-ministra-lemumam-atstadinat-usakovu-no-amata.a315119/|title=Premjers uzticas ministra lēmumam atstādināt Ušakovu no amata|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521021139/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/premjers-uzticas-ministra-lemumam-atstadinat-usakovu-no-amata.a315119/|url-status=live}}

On 13 June 2019, the Saeima approved measures that allowed Latvian institutions to implement UN sanctions more quickly, reduced the Financial and Capital Market Commission from five members to just three, and made these commissioners' positions subject to appointment by parliament.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/banks/pm-karins-talks-up-quickfire-financial-reforms.a322436/|title=PM Kariņš talks up quickfire financial reforms|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617081505/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/banks/pm-karins-talks-up-quickfire-financial-reforms.a322436/|url-status=live}} Commission chairman Peters Putniņš protested that the measures would allow politicians to have greater control of what should be a non-political regulatory body.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/latvias-financial-regulator-on-the-defensive-as-saeima-passes-reforms.a322320/|title=Latvia's financial regulator on the defensive as Saeima passes reforms|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617081504/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/latvias-financial-regulator-on-the-defensive-as-saeima-passes-reforms.a322320/|url-status=live}}

Upon his confirmation, Kariņš announced that his government would continue implementing reforms that had been planned by the previous government led by Māris Kučinskis. These included the reorganization and liquidation of schools that had low numbers of students,{{Cite web|url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/education/?doc=147600|title=At least 15 schools to be reorganized and at least 5 schools liquidated in Latvia|date=28 February 2019|website=The Baltic Course|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119035353/http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/education/?doc=147600|url-status=live}} the gradual transition to Latvian-only education in public high schools,{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/court-rules-transition-to-latvian-only-education-constitutional.a316783/|title=Court rules transition to Latvian-only education constitutional|date=23 April 2019|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424064917/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/court-rules-transition-to-latvian-only-education-constitutional.a316783/|url-status=live}} and new competence-based curriculum standards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive--stils/vecaki-un-berni/radosums-un-kritiska-domasana-gramata-projekta-skola-2030-satura-izpratnei.a310753/|title="Radošums un kritiskā domāšana" - grāmata projekta "Skola 2030" satura izpratnei|date=25 February 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513122557/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive--stils/vecaki-un-berni/radosums-un-kritiska-domasana-gramata-projekta-skola-2030-satura-izpratnei.a310753/|url-status=live}}

On 7 February 2019, Kariņš announced that there would be no increase in 2019 to teachers' salaries as promised according to a timetable agreed upon by the Latvian teachers' union and the Kučinskis cabinet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/skolotajiem-sogad-algas-nepalielinas.a308811/|title=Skolotājiem šogad algas nepalielinās|last1=Anstrate|first1=Vita|last2=Krieviņš|first2=Ralfs|date=7 February 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509104907/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/skolotajiem-sogad-algas-nepalielinas.a308811/|url-status=live}} This led to a picket protest on 20 March,{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/pedagogu-piketa-pie-saeimas-piedalijas-aptuveni-2000-cilveki.a313318/|title=Pedagogu piketā pie Saeimas piedalījās aptuveni 2000 cilvēki|last=Petrova|first=Annija|date=20 March 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509120138/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/pedagogu-piketa-pie-saeimas-piedalijas-aptuveni-2000-cilveki.a313318/|url-status=live}} as well as the threat of an indefinite strike later that year.{{Cite news|url=https://ltv.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/12.04.2019-skolotaju-streiks-bus.id156269/|title=Skolotāju streiks būs!|date=14 April 2019|work=Panorāma (Latvijas televīzija)|access-date=9 May 2019|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509104625/https://ltv.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/12.04.2019-skolotaju-streiks-bus.id156269/|url-status=live}} In an interview on 28 February, Kariņš expressed a wish to raise teachers' salaries without having to raise taxes, finding savings by liquidating and consolidating schools with low numbers of students. On 30 March, Minister for Education Inga Šuplinska claimed that money to finance the planned wage increases could be found by mid-May.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/minister-says-money-to-increase-teachers-wages-will-be-found-by-mid-may.a313366/|title=Minister says money to increase teachers' wages will be found by mid-May|date=20 March 2019|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326064215/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/minister-says-money-to-increase-teachers-wages-will-be-found-by-mid-may.a313366/|url-status=live}}

In April 2019, the Kariņš government announced a proposal for four tiers of minimum student numbers for schools based on the municipality's size and location.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltictimes.com/education_ministry_proposes_four_regional_blocs_with_different_requirements_for_the_minimum_number_of_pupils_at_schools/|title=Education ministry proposes four regional blocs with different requirements for the minimum number of pupils at schools|date=18 April 2019|website=The Baltic Times|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513122559/https://www.baltictimes.com/education_ministry_proposes_four_regional_blocs_with_different_requirements_for_the_minimum_number_of_pupils_at_schools/|url-status=live}} According to Šuplinska, roughly half of Latvia's schools would not meet the minimum requirements under the plan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltictimes.com/half_of_latvia_s_schools_do_not_meet_student_number_criteria_proposed_by_education_ministry/|title=Half of Latvia's schools do not meet student number criteria proposed by Education Ministry|website=The Baltic Times|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513122552/https://www.baltictimes.com/half_of_latvia_s_schools_do_not_meet_student_number_criteria_proposed_by_education_ministry/|url-status=live}}

On 23 April 2019, the Constitutional Court of Latvia ruled that the planned transition to Latvian as the sole language of instruction in public schools did not violate the constitution.{{Cite web|url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/education/?doc=148738|title=Amendments that stipulate transition to Latvian as sole instruction language in schools are in line with Constitution - Constitutional Court|date=23 April 2019|website=The Baltic Course|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519123829/http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/education/?doc=148738|url-status=live}} In June 2022, Saeima approved a government proposal to accelerate the transition to Latvian language-only instruction at preschool and primary levels of the education system so that it would be completed by the year 2025.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |title=Latvian Saeima conceptually passes transition to education only in state language |url=https://bnn-news.com/latvian-saeima-conceptually-passes-transition-to-education-only-in-state-language-235575 |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Baltic News Network - News from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia |language=en-US}}

On 16 September 2022, a strike by education sector workers was narrowly avoided when a compromise agreement to raise teachers' salaries and balance their workloads between contact hours and preparation hours was reached between the Kariņš government and the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees just three days before the indefinite strike was set to begin.{{Cite web |title=Teachers' strike averted after sides reach compromise |url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/teachers-strike-averted-after-sides-reach-compromise.a474096/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=eng.lsm.lv |language=en}}File:4.maija svinīgie pasākumi (46983052084).jpg, Speaker of the Saeima Ināra Mūrniece and Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Ineta Ziemele taking part on 4 May 2019 event to celebrate the restoration of Latvian independence in 1990 |alt=]]

In February 2019, the Kariņš government announced that it would abandon the "two basket" system of health care funding that the Kučinskis government had begun to implement, a reform which would have made full access to state-provided health care only available to people paying social contribution taxes.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/karins-latvia-has-too-few-taxpayers-to-support-current-healthcare-system.a310210/|title=Kariņš: Latvia has too few taxpayers to support current healthcare system|date=20 February 2019|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412204526/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/karins-latvia-has-too-few-taxpayers-to-support-current-healthcare-system.a310210/|url-status=live}} The government announced in April 2019 that the health care system and tax code would both be reformed in 2021.{{Cite web|url=http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/13414C96-AF01-6B27-3778-EACBB3080AB9/|title=State health insurance system to be reformed along with taxes in 2021 - Vinkele|date=9 April 2019|website=www.leta.lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510155919/http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/13414C96-AF01-6B27-3778-EACBB3080AB9/|url-status=live}}

On 11 April 2019, he survived a 58-33 vote of no confidence spearheaded by Saeima Deputy Aldis Gobzems for not adhering to the Saeima's demand that his government cancel the green energy subsidy by the end of March. On that day, in a phone interview with Latvian Public Radio, he committed to canceling the subsidy within a reasonable timeframe and argued that the Minister of Economics, Ralfs Nemiro, Gobzems's former party member, had already published a report proving that doing so by the end of March was a legal impossibility.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/premjers-karins-oik-ir-jalikvide-un-tas-tiks-izdarits.a315653/|title=Premjers Kariņš: OIK ir jālikvidē un tas tiks izdarīts|date=11 April 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413030446/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/premjers-karins-oik-ir-jalikvide-un-tas-tiks-izdarits.a315653/|url-status=live}}

On 9 April 2019, Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Juris Pūce announced a controversial plan for the Kariņš government to reduce the number of municipalities in Latvia from 119 to 35, eliminating the "republican city" status for all cities aside from the capital of Rīga.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/varam-teritorialas-reformas-projekts-paredz-latvija-izveidot-35-pasvaldibas.a315514/|title=VARAM teritoriālās reformas projekts paredz Latvijā izveidot 35 pašvaldības|date=9 April 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411015757/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/varam-teritorialas-reformas-projekts-paredz-latvija-izveidot-35-pasvaldibas.a315514/|url-status=live}} The government attempted to block the town of Ikšķile from holding a survey regarding citizen's opinions about the reform, claiming that municipalities only have the legal right to hold public debates on municipal issues,{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/ministry-stops-municipal-survey-over-territorial-reform.a317196/|title=Ministry stops municipal survey over territorial reform|last=Zvirbulis|first=Ģirts|date=26 April 2019|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427164104/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/ministry-stops-municipal-survey-over-territorial-reform.a317196/|url-status=live}} but the survey continued as planned and found that 98.45% of respondents were opposed to the reforms.{{Cite web|url=https://skaties.lv/zinas/latvija/sabiedriba/ikskiles-novada-iedzivotaju-aptauja-98-no-dalibniekiem-balsojusi-par-novada-saglabasanu/|title=Ikšķiles novada iedzīvotāju aptaujā 98% no dalībniekiem balsojuši par novada saglabāšanu|last=Bickovskis|first=Juris|date=12 May 2019|website=skaties.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513122559/https://skaties.lv/zinas/latvija/sabiedriba/ikskiles-novada-iedzivotaju-aptauja-98-no-dalibniekiem-balsojusi-par-novada-saglabasanu/|url-status=live}} After a number of amendments, such as granting ten cities the status of "national city" with seven remaining separate municipalities and increasing the amount of municipalities to 43 overall, the new system of municipalities came into effect on 1 July 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-01 |title=Administrative territorial reform comes to force in Latvia |url=https://bnn-news.com/administrative-territorial-reform-comes-to-force-in-latvia-226175 |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Baltic News Network - News from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia |language=en-US}}

File:Secretary Blinken Meets With Latvian Prime Minister Kariņš (51930368396).jpg in March 2022]]

Like his predecessors, Kariņš has stressed a commitment to a western-oriented foreign policy and has expressed caution regarding Russia's foreign policy intentions.{{Cite web|url=https://mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/karins-underscores-western-values-based-foreign-policy-during-saeima-foreign-policy|title=Kariņš underscores the western values-based foreign policy during the Saeima foreign policy debates|date=2019-02-14|website=mk.gov.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509104920/https://mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/karins-underscores-western-values-based-foreign-policy-during-saeima-foreign-policy|url-status=live}} On 7 January 2019, he announced that fellow party member Edgars Rinkēvičs, who had already at the time been Latvia's longest-serving foreign minister and had worked under prime ministers Valdis Dombrovskis, Laimdota Straujuma, and Māris Kučinskis, would continue in his current role.{{Cite web|url=https://www.la.lv/infografiks-karina-iespejamais-kabinets-kas-varetu-sesties-ministru-kreslos/|title=Infografiks: Kariņa iespējamais kabinets. Kas būs ministri?|website=LA.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09}} On 8 February, he made his first foreign visit to the neighboring country of Estonia, stressing the importance of relations between the two nations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/karins-pirmaja-arvalstu-vizite-igaunija-parruna-brexit-un-rail-baltica.a308968/|title=Kariņš pirmajā ārvalstu vizīte Igaunijā pārrunā "Brexit" un "Rail Baltica"|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509104911/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/karins-pirmaja-arvalstu-vizite-igaunija-parruna-brexit-un-rail-baltica.a308968/|url-status=live}}

File:Latvian Prime Minister Kariņš boost the EU’s essentials (47628808271).jpg in Strasbourg, France]]

On his first official visit to Brussels on 22 February 2019, Kariņš assured that Latvia would maintain a "Euro-Atlantic course," and that Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had his full support.{{Cite web|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/karins-tells-eu-leaders-latvia-will-maintain-its-euro-atlantic-course.a310512/|title=Kariņš tells EU leaders Latvia will maintain its Euro-Atlantic course|date=22 February 2019|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-date=2019-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412204516/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/karins-tells-eu-leaders-latvia-will-maintain-its-euro-atlantic-course.a310512/|url-status=live}} He addressed European Parliament on 17 April, arguing that it was "useless" to fight against the rise of populism and that it was necessary to understand why people listened to the promises of populists.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/arzemes/karins-uzruna-eiroparlamenta-ar-populistiem-nav-verts-cinities.a316297/|title=Kariņš uzrunā Eiroparlamentā: Ar populistiem nav vērts cīnīties|last1=Nagla|first1=Ilze|last2=Kolohovs|first2=Artjoms|date=17 April 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421164931/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/arzemes/karins-uzruna-eiroparlamenta-ar-populistiem-nav-verts-cinities.a316297/|url-status=live}}

In a 9 May meeting with other EU leaders in Sibiu, Romania, he expressed support for the Spitzenkandidat process of electing a new European Commissioner used in 2014 that had come under fire by other leaders such as President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Dalia Grybauskaitė of Lithuania.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/arzemes/es-lideri-neoficiali-spriez-par-nakamoeiropas-komisijas-vaditaju.a318486/|title=ES līderi neoficiāli spriež par nākamo Eiropas Komisijas vadītāju|last1=Konohov|first1=Artjoms|last2=Nagla|first2=Ilze|date=9 May 2019|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509181406/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/arzemes/es-lideri-neoficiali-spriez-par-nakamoeiropas-komisijas-vaditaju.a318486/|url-status=live}} Along with prime minister Andrej Plenković of Croatia, Kariņš represented the governments ruled by the center-right European People's Party (EPP) in the negotiations on new appointments to top posts in the European Union following the 2019 European elections, including the European Council, the European Commission and the European Central Bank.Alastair Macdonald (June 6, 2019), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-jobs-negotiators/eu-mini-summit-set-to-discuss-top-jobs-succession-idUSKCN1T716N EU mini-summit set to discuss top jobs succession] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020153825/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-jobs-negotiators/eu-mini-summit-set-to-discuss-top-jobs-succession-idUSKCN1T716N |date=2020-10-20 }} Reuters.

File:Prime minister Rishi Sunak attends the NATO Summit in Lithunia (53040913700).jpg, US President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the 2023 Vilnius summit]]

During Kariņš' tenure, relations with neighbouring country Belarus have become increasingly strained. In January 2021, Kariņš declared that he would not see it possible for Minsk to host the 2021 IIHF World Championship because of violent suppression of peaceful protests in Belarus.{{cite web |url=https://www.baltictimes.com/karins_still_does_not_see_it_possible_for_minsk_to_host_2021_hockey_world_championship/ |title=Karins still does not see it possible for Minsk to host 2021 Hockey World Championship |date=12 January 2021 |access-date=15 January 2021 |website=Baltic Times |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121203701/https://www.baltictimes.com/karins_still_does_not_see_it_possible_for_minsk_to_host_2021_hockey_world_championship/ |url-status=live }} On 12 August 2021, a state of emergency was declared at the Belarus-Latvia border following a surge of immigration. On 23 August, Kariņš joined the prime ministers of Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia in releasing a statement that blamed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko for "using immigrants to destabilize neighbouring countries".{{Cite web|title=Statement of the Prime Ministers Ingrida Šimonytė (Lithuania), Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš (Latvia), Kaja Kallas (Estonia) and Mateusz Morawiecki (Poland) on the hybrid attack on our borders by Belarus {{!}} Ministru kabinets|url=https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/article/statement-prime-ministers-ingrida-simonyte-lithuania-arturs-krisjanis-karins-latvia-kaja-kallas-estonia-and-mateusz-morawiecki-poland-hybrid-attack-our-borders-belarus|access-date=2021-10-20|website=www.mk.gov.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075619/https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/article/statement-prime-ministers-ingrida-simonyte-lithuania-arturs-krisjanis-karins-latvia-kaja-kallas-estonia-and-mateusz-morawiecki-poland-hybrid-attack-our-borders-belarus|url-status=live}}

Throughout Kariņš' term as prime minister, relations between Latvia and Russia significantly worsened, particularly following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the Riga StratCom Dialogue in May 2022, Kariņš said that, "in order to ensure peace and security in Europe and the world, Russia must lose this war. Ukraine must win. This is the only way we can return to a peaceful life".{{Cite web |title=Kariņš: Krievija rada ilgtermiņa draudus mieram un drošībai Eiropā un pasaulē |url=https://zinas.tv3.lv/arvalstis/karins-krievija-rada-ilgtermina-draudus-mieram-un-drosibai-eiropa-un-pasaule/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=tv3.lv |language=lv}} At the same meeting, he also criticized certain western European leaders' perceived willingness to negotiate with Russia over the conflict.{{Cite web |title=Kariņš: Lai nodrošinātu mieru un drošību Eiropā un pasaulē, Krievijai ir jāzaudē šajā karā |url=https://nra.lv/latvija/politika/381960-karins-lai-nodrosinatu-mieru-un-drosibu-eiropa-un-pasaule-krievijai-ir-jazaude-saja-kara.htm |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=nra.lv |language=lv}} In a summit of Baltic sea countries in Copenhagen, Kariņš said that "countries surrounding the Baltic Sea should minimise economic cooperation with Russia, especially in the energy sector".{{Cite web |title=Krišjānis Kariņš: countries surrounding the Baltic Sea should minimise economic cooperation with Russia, especially in the energy sector {{!}} Ministru kabinets |url=https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/article/krisjanis-karins-countries-surrounding-baltic-sea-should-minimise-economic-cooperation-russia-especially-energy-sector |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=www.mk.gov.lv |language=en}} On 25 August 2022, a Soviet war memorial that had been protected under a treaty between Latvia and Russia was torn down. Kariņš said that along with decreasing energy dependence on Russia, this action "freed Latvia from the lasting consequences of occupation."{{Cite web |title=Valsts tiek vaļā no okupācijas paliekām. Kariņš par pieminekļa demontāžu Pārdaugavā |url=https://www.la.lv/valsts-tiek-vala-no-okupacijas-paliekam-karins-par-pieminekla-demontazu-pardaugava |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=LA.LV |language=lv}} On 8 September 2022, the Kariņš government approved additional restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens into Latvia via the external border of the European Union, with Kariņš saying that Russian citizens freely moving around the EU while Russia invaded Ukraine was " unacceptable both from a moral and security considerations".{{Cite web |title=Latvia confirms rules on EU tourist visa restrictions for Russians |url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/latvia-confirms-rules-on-eu-tourist-visa-restrictions-for-russians.a472958/ |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=eng.lsm.lv |language=en}}

File:Eurooppa-neuvosto 9.2.2023 (52679123133).jpg in February 2023]]

Under the Kariņš government, Latvia has supported Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. On 23 February 2022, one day before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia delivered FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.{{Cite web |title=Latvia delivers Stinger missiles to Ukraine |url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/latvia-delivers-stinger-missiles-to-ukraine.a444987/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=eng.lsm.lv |language=en}} On 24 February, immediately following the invasion, Kariņš announced that Latvia was ready to take in 10,000 refugees.{{Cite web |title=Latvia ready to take in Ukrainian refugees, visas for Russians to be suspended |url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/latvia-ready-to-take-in-ukrainian-refugees-visas-for-russians-to-be-suspended.a445142/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=eng.lsm.lv |language=en}} By August, over 36,000 Ukrainian refugees were registered in Latvia.{{Cite web |title=Over 36,000 Ukrainian refugees registered in Latvia |url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/over-36000-ukrainian-refugees-registered-in-latvia.a469440/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=eng.lsm.lv |language=en}} Kariņš supported the June 2022 decision by the European Council to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status, saying that the decision would, "play an important role in implementing the necessary reforms in both new candidate countries".{{Cite web |title=Decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status will play an important role in implementing necessary reforms - Karins |url=https://www.baltictimes.com/decision_to_grant_ukraine_and_moldova_eu_candidate_status_will_play_an_important_role_in_implementing_necessary_reforms_-_karins/ |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=The Baltic Times}}

{{See also|COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia}}

On 12 March 2020, Kariņš announced a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring that schools would be closed as of the next day and begin distance learning in addition to large gatherings being banned.{{Cite web|first1=Sandis |last1=Kārkliņš |first2=Jānis |last2=Sildniks |first3=Marta |last3=Sondare |date=2020-03-12|title=Video: 'Šī slimība nav apturama, bet ierobežojama' – Latvijā 'Covid-19' dēļ izsludina ārkārtas situāciju (plkst. 19:33)|url=https://www.delfi.lv/a/51958457|access-date=2021-10-20|website=delfi.lv|language=lv}} After being extended in April,{{Cite web|title=Latvia's state of emergency extended until June 9, some restrictions eased|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvias-state-of-emergency-extended-until-june-9-some-restrictions-eased.a358935/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2020-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511000732/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvias-state-of-emergency-extended-until-june-9-some-restrictions-eased.a358935/|url-status=live}} the state of emergency came to an end on 10 June.{{Cite web|title=Latvia's state of emergency comes to an end on June 10|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvias-state-of-emergency-comes-to-an-end-on-june-10.a363138/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2020-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024184010/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvias-state-of-emergency-comes-to-an-end-on-june-10.a363138/|url-status=live}} A second state of emergency was announced on 9 November 2020,{{Cite web|title=New state of emergency in force from today|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/new-state-of-emergency-in-force-from-today-in-latvia.a380929/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075620/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/new-state-of-emergency-in-force-from-today-in-latvia.a380929/|url-status=live}} which was extended on 1 December,{{Cite web|title=State of emergency extended until January 11|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/state-of-emergency-extended-until-january-11-in-latvia.a383783/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201220719/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/state-of-emergency-extended-until-january-11-in-latvia.a383783/|url-status=live}} 30 December{{Cite web|title=State of emergency officially extended until February 7|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/state-of-emergency-in-latvia-officially-extended-until-february-7.a387230/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075628/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/state-of-emergency-in-latvia-officially-extended-until-february-7.a387230/|url-status=live}} and 5 February 2021,{{Cite web|title=State of emergency extended until April 6|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/state-of-emergency-extended-until-april-6-in-latvia.a391766/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206130518/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/state-of-emergency-extended-until-april-6-in-latvia.a391766/|url-status=live}} and came to an end on 7 April.{{Cite web|title=State of emergency ends in Latvia: what changes?|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/state-of-emergency-ends-in-latvia-what-changes.a399539/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412083347/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/state-of-emergency-ends-in-latvia-what-changes.a399539/|url-status=live}} In January 2021, Kariņš requested that Minister of Health Ilze Viņķele resign after criticizing her vaccination plan as inadequate.{{Cite web|title=Premjers izsaka neuzticību veselības ministrei Viņķelei|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/premjers-izsaka-neuzticibu-veselibas-ministrei-vinkelei.a387740/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.lsm.lv|language=lv|archive-date=2021-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111005644/https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/premjers-izsaka-neuzticibu-veselibas-ministrei-vinkelei.a387740/|url-status=live}} Daniels Pavļuts was confirmed as her replacement on 7 January.{{Cite web|title=Pavļuts confirmed as new Health Minister|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/pavluts-confirmed-as-new-health-minister.a388080/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111055800/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/pavluts-confirmed-as-new-health-minister.a388080/|url-status=live}}

A third state of emergency was proclaimed on 8 October 2021, which came into effect on 11 October.{{Cite web|title=Three-month state of emergency will start Monday, October 11 in Latvia|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/three-month-state-of-emergency-will-start-monday-october-11-in-latvia.a424863/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019033428/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/three-month-state-of-emergency-will-start-monday-october-11-in-latvia.a424863/|url-status=live}} On October 20, the Kariņš government implemented a month-long "lockdown" in response to requests from the medical sector and Minister of Health Daniels Pavļuts.{{Cite web|title=Latvia's lockdown: what are the rules?|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/latvias-lockdown-what-are-the-rules.a426478/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020210901/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/latvias-lockdown-what-are-the-rules.a426478/|url-status=live}} The same day, the government approved amendments that would allow employers to terminate contracts with employees who do not have a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19.{{Cite web|date=20 October 2021|title='No Covid certificate, no job' law advanced by government|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/no-covid-certificate-no-job-law-advanced-by-government.a426417/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-21|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021073729/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/no-covid-certificate-no-job-law-advanced-by-government.a426417/}}

Initially, Kariņš was praised by international media for his government's handling of the early phases of the pandemic in Spring 2021.{{Cite news|last=Malnick|first=Edward|date=2020-04-25|title=How Latvia has led the world against coronavirus pandemic|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/25/latvia-kept-covid-deaths-dozen-businesses-stayed-open/|access-date=2021-10-24|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160625/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/25/latvia-kept-covid-deaths-dozen-businesses-stayed-open/|url-status=live}} However, as the situation continued and new, more serious outbreaks occurred in Latvia throughout late 2020 and 2021, Kariņš's government became widely criticized for its management of the pandemic.{{Cite web|title=PM Kariņš: reasons why Latvia is in lockdown will be found in time|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/pm-karins-reasons-why-latvia-is-in-lockdown-will-be-found-in-time.a427089/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=eng.lsm.lv|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160553/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/politics/pm-karins-reasons-why-latvia-is-in-lockdown-will-be-found-in-time.a427089/|url-status=live}} On 11 October 2021, a group of experts that had been established by the Kariņš government earlier in the year ceased their cooperation with the government, with spokesman Klāvs Sedlenieks explaining that the group did not feel their work was resulting in informed decision making and that their recommendations were being used as part of the political process.{{Cite web|title=Covid-19 ekspertu darba grupa pārtrauc sadarbību ar valdību|url=https://nra.lv/latvija/360168-covid-19-ekspertu-darba-grupa-partrauc-sadarbibu-ar-valdibu.htm|access-date=2021-10-25|website=nra.lv|language=lv|archive-date=2021-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025161001/https://nra.lv/latvija/360168-covid-19-ekspertu-darba-grupa-partrauc-sadarbibu-ar-valdibu.htm|url-status=live}}

He announced his resignation as prime minister on 14 August 2023 citing conflicts within the coalition led by his party.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/latvian-prime-minister-announces-resignation-2023-08-14/|title=Latvia's prime minister announces resignation|last1=Sytas|first1=Andrius|last2=Laizans|first2=Janis|date=14 August 2023|work=Reuters|access-date=2024-03-04|language=en}} He was succeeded by Evika Siliņa on 15 September 2023.{{Cite news|last=Eglitis|first=Aaron|title=Latvia Gets New Prime Minister Evika Silina With Parliament Majority|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-15/latvia-gets-new-prime-minister-as-silina-pledges-more-on-defense?embedded-checkout=true|work=Bloomberg News|access-date=3 March 2024|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918085747/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-15/latvia-gets-new-prime-minister-as-silina-pledges-more-on-defense?embedded-checkout=true|url-status=live}}

Shortly after stepping down as prime minister, Kariņš joined Siliņa's government as foreign minister in September 2023. On 28 November, he announced his intention to seek the nomination to become the next Secretary General of NATO, saying that the alliance needed a consensus builder who is committed to higher defense spending and possessed a clear vision in managing relations with Russia.{{Cite news|last=Cook |first=Lorne |title=Latvia’s chief diplomat pursues NATO’s top job, saying a clear vision on Russia is needed |url=https://apnews.com/article/nato-latvia-estonia-secretary-general-stoltenberg-3867f1b0bae447ada09c5af7cb89913d |work=Associated Press |access-date=28 March 2024}}

On 28 March 2024, Kariņš announced that he was resigning as foreign minister effective 10 April following a decision by the Latvian prosecutor general’s office to initiate criminal proceedings over the alleged misuse of public funds in the utilization of private aviation services by Kariņš and his delegations during his prime ministership.{{Cite news |title=Latvia’s foreign minister will step down after a probe over his office’s use of private flights |url=https://apnews.com/article/latvia-foreign-minister-krisjanis-karins-resigns-flights-8ef37d86c1d4043da4e3e75e128fa89d |work=Associated Press |access-date=28 March 2024}} In April, Baiba Braže was confirmed as Minister of Foreign Affairs in his place, while Kariņš returned to work in the Saeima. At the end of August, A. K. Kariņš announced the suspension of his mandate as a member of the Saeima.

In November 2023, Kariņš accused Hamas of using Palestinian civilians as human shields in the Gaza war in the Gaza Strip.{{cite news |title=EU Condemns Hamas for Using Civilians at Gaza Hospitals as Human Shields |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/eu-condemns-hamas-for-using-civilians-at-gaza-hospitals-as-human-shields-/7353026.html |work=VOA News |date=13 November 2023}}{{cite news |title=EU backs Israel on 'human shields' in Gaza |url=https://euobserver.com/world/157687 |work=EUobserver |date=13 November 2023}} Kariņš rejected calls for a ceasefire but said he supported "humanitarian pauses" to deliver aid to the people of Gaza.{{cite news |title=Latvia backs humanitarian pauses in Gaza instead of cease-fire, claiming it would 'benefit' Hamas |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/latvia-backs-humanitarian-pauses-in-gaza-instead-of-cease-fire-claiming-it-would-benefit-hamas/3052709 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=13 November 2023}}

Kariņš is married to general practitioner doctor Anda Kariņa, and has four children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vestnesis.lv/|title=Deklarācijas par amatiem, nekustamajiem īpašumiem,… - Latvijas Vēstnesis|date=6 May 2005|website=Latvijas Vestnesis|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=2019-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411083056/https://www.vestnesis.lv/op/2014/61.18/|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, Saeima Deputy Aldis Gobzems asked law enforcement officials to investigate a Skolas iela 2 property transaction between Kariņš and wife Kariņa from one side and Russian citizens, who are associated with Gazprom International and Government of Moscow from another, that he alleged could be related to money laundering and tax avoidance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvnet.lv/6544477/gobzems-ludz-tiesibsargajosajam-iestadem-parbaudit-karina-sievas-nekustama-ipasuma-darijumu|title=Gobzems lūdz tiesībsargājošajām iestādēm pārbaudīt Kariņa sievas nekustamā īpašuma darījumu|date=2019-03-13|website=TVNET|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-26|archive-date=2019-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526181820/https://www.tvnet.lv/6544477/gobzems-ludz-tiesibsargajosajam-iestadem-parbaudit-karina-sievas-nekustama-ipasuma-darijumu|url-status=live}} On 18 May 2019, state police announced that they would not be initiating criminal proceedings after finding no signs of illegal wrongdoing.{{Cite web|url=https://m.baltictimes.com/article/jcms/id/144629/|title=Police do not find any signs of crime in property deal of PM Karins' family|date=18 May 2019|website=The Baltic Times|access-date=2019-05-26|archive-date=2019-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526181820/https://m.baltictimes.com/article/jcms/id/144629/|url-status=live}}

Aside from his native Latvian and English, he speaks fluent German, French, and some Russian.{{Cite web|url=http://laikraksts.com/raksti/raksts.php?KursRaksts=6370|title=Trimdas bērnu bērni un mazbērni Latvijā|last=Jansone|first=Astrīda|date=14 June 2016|website=laikraksts.com|language=lv|access-date=2019-05-07|archive-date=2019-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401105305/http://laikraksts.com/raksti/raksts.php?KursRaksts=6370|url-status=live}} During a visit to Minsk in January 2020, Kariņš stated in a meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko that it is easier for him to comprehend Russian than to speak, which leads him to speak to Russian-speakers through an interpreter "so as not to say something wrong".{{Cite web|url=https://eng.belta.by/politics/view/pm-latvia-wants-to-see-belarus-independent-stable-127318-2020/|title=PM: Latvia wants to see Belarus independent, stable|date=Jan 16, 2020|website=eng.belta.by|access-date=Feb 7, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525211305/https://eng.belta.by/politics/view/pm-latvia-wants-to-see-belarus-independent-stable-127318-2020/|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Krišjānis Kariņš}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20141219012433/http://www.karins.lv/ Official website] of Krišjānis Kariņš
• [https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/amatpersonas/krisjanis-karins-0 Official website] of the Prime Minister of Latvia
• [http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/lv/96901/KRISJANIS_KARINS/history/8 Official website] of Member of Parliament Krišjānis Kariņš
• [https://www.vienotiba.lv/krisjanis_karins Biography of Krišjānis Kariņš] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526002901/https://www.vienotiba.lv/krisjanis_karins |date=2019-05-26 }} on New Unity's official website.
• [https://eng.lsm.lv/topic/krisjanis-karins/?src=lsm News archive] on Latvian Public Media{{s-start}}

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Juris Lujāns}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister for Economics|years=2004–2006}}

{{s-aft|after=Aigars Štokenbergs}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Māris Kučinskis}}

{{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Latvia|years=2019–2023}}

{{s-aft|after=Evika Siliņa}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Edgars Rinkēvičs}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister of Foreign Affairs|years=2023–2024}}

{{s-aft|after=Baiba Braže}}

{{s-end}}

{{LatvianPMs}}

{{Foreign Ministers of NATO member states}}

{{Foreign Ministers of the European Union member states}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Karins, Arturs Krisjanis}}

Category:1964 births

Category:Living people

Category:Politicians from Wilmington, Delaware

Category:Christians from Delaware

Category:American people of Latvian descent

Category:New Era Party politicians

Category:New Unity politicians

Category:Prime ministers of Latvia

Category:Ministers of foreign affairs of Latvia

Category:Deputies of the 8th Saeima

Category:Deputies of the 9th Saeima

Category:Deputies of the 14th Saeima

Category:New Era Party MEPs

Category:MEPs for Latvia 2009–2014

Category:MEPs for Latvia 2014–2019

Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni

Category:Recipients of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 2nd Class