Māris Dzelme, the temporary chairman of SIA Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas (EDzL) overseeing the construction of the Rail Baltic high-speed railway in Latvia, has resigned from his position after less than a year in office. His departure was officially announced by the Latvian Ministry of Transport. Dzelme was appointed in May 2025 during a critical phase of the project and was brought in to stabilize and streamline the management processes at EDzL amid challenges, including perhaps those related to project delays or funding issues.

At a shareholders meeting where Dzelme's resignation was discussed, Jānis Naglis was elected as the new CEO for a term of five years, taking over from Dzelme. This leadership change underscores the evolving needs of the Rail Baltic project as it transitions from a crisis management phase to a more permanent leadership structure. Dzelme's acknowledgment that his task was focused on crisis management reflects the difficulties faced by the project and the essential competencies expected in the new leadership.

The Rail Baltic project is a significant infrastructure initiative for the Baltic States, connecting Latvia with neighboring countries and enhancing regional transport connectivity. The change in leadership may have implications for the project's timeline and operational efficiency as it moves forward under new management. This transition also highlights the ongoing challenges faced in large-scale public infrastructure projects, including governance and managerial oversight.