politics
Latvian Prime Minister Announces Resignation After Coalition Partner Withdraws Support
The Latvian prime minister announced her resignation on Thursday after a coalition partner withdrew its support, leaving the government without a majority. The move follows the defense minister's resignation last week over the handling of stray Ukrainian drones that crossed into Latvian territory. The developments come amid ongoing incidents involving the drones.
May 14, 4:53 AM·1m read2 sources
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The announcement came one day after a left-wing party in the governing coalition said it was withdrawing its support for the government. That decision left the prime minister without a majority in parliament.
The party had been part of the coalition backing the center-right prime minister. The resignation follows the departure last week of the defense minister, who came from the same left-wing party. The defense minister was forced to resign over the government's handling of multiple incidents in which stray Ukrainian drones crossed into Latvian territory.
The sequence of events began with the drone incursions, which prompted criticism of how authorities managed the situations. Officials have not detailed the number of incidents or the precise locations where the drones entered Latvian airspace. The defense minister's exit created immediate pressure on the coalition.
The party's subsequent decision to withdraw support accelerated the collapse of the prime minister's parliamentary majority. The prime minister had led a center-right government that included the left-wing party as a key partner. With the withdrawal of that support, the government could no longer command the numbers needed to pass legislation or survive confidence votes.
No immediate information was released on the next steps for forming a new government or scheduling elections. Latvian law requires the president to consult with parliamentary groups before designating a new prime minister. The incidents involving Ukrainian drones occurred against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
