Coalition tensions force Latvian PM resignation
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa officially submitted her resignation to the Saeima on Wednesday, leading to the resignation of the entire government, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
Siliņa announced her decision during an emergency briefing, saying the ruling coalition had exhausted its ability to work productively together. The government coalition included the New Unity party, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the Progressives.
“I am resigning, but I am not giving up,” Silina said in a televised statement.
The political crisis deepened after Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds resigned earlier this month, increasing pressure on the prime minister from both coalition partners and the opposition.
Siliņa has served as Latvia’s prime minister since September 2023. Before that, she held the position of welfare minister.
Under Latvian law, President Edgars Rinkēvičs must now begin consultations with all political parties represented in parliament to nominate a new prime minister. Meetings with party leaders are expected on Friday.
The current cabinet will continue operating in a caretaker capacity until a new government is approved by parliament.
Analysts say coalition talks could take several weeks, especially as Latvia is set to hold parliamentary elections in October.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Keir Starmer faced mounting political pressure after the Labour Party suffered significant losses in local elections, prompting calls from some party members for his resignation.