The Saeima of Latvia elected Edgars Rinkevics, who previously headed the country's Foreign Ministry, as president of the country. 52 deputies voted for his candidacy, with the required minimum of 51 votes.
“It is a great honor for me to be elected President of the Republic of Latvia, and I will do my best to serve the people of Latvia well. I thank the deputies for their trust,” Rinkevich commented on the voting results.
In addition to Rinkevich, businessman Uldis Pilens and lawyer Elina Pinto also participated in the presidential elections.
In 2014, when Rinkevich served as head of the country's Foreign Ministry, he wrote on his Twitter account that in Latvia it is necessary to create legal regulation for all types of partnerships and he is ready to fight for it. He also added, "I know it's going to be mega-hysterical, but #proudtobegay" (proud to be gay)." Later, in an interview with Latvian television, Rinkevics confirmed that his Twitter account had not been hacked and that what was written in it was true.
The issue of LGBT rights is actively discussed in Latvian society, but there are no forms of registration of same-sex unions in the country, and same-sex marriages are officially prohibited by the country's Constitution.