The Latvian Ministry of Culture (KM) has launched an open competition to fill the board member position at the state-owned Latest Riga Theatre (JRT). The move has sparked public debate after the theatre’s artistic director, Alvis Hermanis, voiced his opinions on the matter via social media.
Political Tensions and Artistic Leadership
Alvis Hermanis, who serves as the chairman of the board for the political party “We Change the Rules” (“Mēs mainām noteikumus”), has openly entered the political arena. He has announced his intention to run in the 15th Saeima elections this year.
Following the announcement of the job competition, Hermanis claimed on social media that he is subordinate to the theatre’s long-time director, Gundega Palma, rather than the ministry. He suggested that if Culture Minister Agnese Lāce intended to remove him, she would need to replace the director.
Despite his political ambitions, Hermanis stated that his activities do not change his commitment to the theatre. He noted that if he is elected to parliament this fall, he plans to combine that role with his theatre work, including staging two new plays next season.
The Ministry’s Governance Framework
In response to the social media discourse, the Ministry of Culture clarified that state theatres in Latvia operate as state-owned capital companies. Under Latvian legislation, these companies must organize open competitions for board member positions.
The ministry explained that board members serve five-year terms. Because the current term for JRT board member Gundega Palma concludes in September of this year, the competition was initiated.
The ministry further noted that this procedural approach was adopted at the end of 2022 to promote transparency and professional selection. A competition for the JRT board vacancy was not held in 2021, as the current rules were not yet in effect.
Potential Outcomes
The outcome of the competition could determine the future leadership structure of the New Riga Theatre. Depending on the results, the relationship between the artistic director and the board may evolve.
if Hermanis is successful in the upcoming elections, he may attempt to balance a parliamentary seat with his artistic duties, a scenario he has already indicated is his intention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Ministry of Culture holding a competition for the JRT board member position?
The competition is being held because the current term of office for board member Gundega Palma ends in September of this year, and Latvian legislation requires open competitions for board members of state-owned capital companies.
What is Alvis Hermanis’s current political involvement?
Alvis Hermanis is the chairman of the board of the political party “We Change the Rules” (“Mēs mainām noteikumus”) and plans to run in the 15th Saeima elections.
When did the current board nomination process begin?
The procedure to ensure open, fair, and professional selection via competition was changed and put into effect at the end of 2022 to comply with principles of good corporate governance.
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