Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced her resignation on Thursday, triggering the collapse of her coalition government. The center-right leader was left without a ruling majority in parliament after the left-wing Progressives party withdrew its support.
The Progressives' decision followed the removal of Defence Minister Andris Sprūds. Sprūds was fired over the government's handling of incidents involving stray Ukrainian drones flying into Latvia from Russia, as the Prime Minister stated that anti-drone systems had not been deployed fast enough. The governing tripartite coalition, which also included the Greens and Farmers Union, had been under strain for months over multiple issues.
Silina stated that her priority remains the well-being and security of Latvia's people, noting that while parties and coalitions change, Latvia endures. In a televised statement, she added that she is resigning but not giving up. Meanwhile, the opposition party United List announced it would initiate a vote of no confidence and expressed readiness to lead the next government.
With general elections due in October, President Edgars Rinkevics is tasked with appointing a new head of government. The president is scheduled to meet with representatives of all parliamentary factions on Friday to begin political consultations.