On 19 December, the Fiscal Discipline Council elected its member, Professor of Economics at the University of Latvia, Jānis Priede, as Chairman of the Council, with his term of office commencing on 1 January 2026. 
He succeeds the long-serving Chair of the Council, Inna Šteinbuka, in this role. Jānis Priede is a Professor of Economics at the University of Latvia, where he also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. Professor Priede has extensive experience in leading both academic and applied research, as well as participating in international projects in the fields of economics, economic competitiveness, fiscal policy, and sectoral development. He is actively engaged in economic policy discussions in Latvia and at the international level. His broad academic background is complemented by international experience gained through internships at leading universities in Europe and the United States, including Columbia University in New York and the University of Tartu. Jānis Priede has been a member of the Fiscal Discipline Council since October 2023 and previously served as Deputy Chairman of the Council.