Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has announced her resignation, UNN reports, citing LSM.
Details
Siliņa submitted her resignation letter to the country's Saeima, which triggers the resignation of the entire government. The cabinet effectively collapsed on Wednesday when the coalition party "The Progressives" announced they no longer supported Siliņa and called for negotiations to form a new government.
The government will continue to perform its duties until a new Cabinet of Ministers is approved.
The President has received the Prime Minister's resignation letter, and a decision on forming a government as quickly as possible will be made on Friday during consultations with representatives of the Saeima factions at Riga Castle.
"Currently, political jealousy and narrow party interests have prevailed over responsibility. Seeing a strong candidate for the post of Minister of Defense [Colonel Raivis Melnis, whom Siliņa nominated to replace the resigned minister from 'The Progressives,' Andris Sprūds - ed.], political windbags chose a crisis—a government crisis. Therefore, I announce that I am stepping down. This is not an easy decision, but it is an honest decision in this situation," Siliņa stated.
"I am resigning, but I am not giving up, and I am not going away; the promises I made to the people of Latvia, to everyone with whom we defended European values together at Dome Square, I and 'New Unity' will continue to fulfill," she added.
She also noted that her priorities remain unchanged—Latvia's security, the well-being of the people, and the country's common future.
Siliņa also emphasized that there is currently no room for "political windbaggery and Munchausen stories."
Addendum
On Wednesday, after a meeting with Siliņa where she presented the candidate for Minister of Defense, Colonel Raivis Melnis, to the faction, the coalition party "The Progressives" stated they no longer support Siliņa's government. They did not recall their ministers at that time but called for the start of negotiations regarding the next coalition.
In turn, another coalition partner—the Union of Greens and Farmers—acknowledged that the government led by Siliņa had effectively collapsed.
The opposition National Alliance expressed its determination to form a new government as early as Monday—the day after the resignation of Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds ("The Progressives").
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds announced his resignation on Sunday, May 10, following drone incidents in the country's airspace.
Latvian Defense Minister resigns following drone attack on oil depots10.05.26, 21:15