Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigns
Riga, May 14
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina on Thursday announced her resignation and termed it the "right decision in this situation." The government will continue to perform its duties until new cabinet ministers are approved, local media reported on Thursday.
Latvia President has received Silina's resignation and a decision regarding formation of the new government will be made during consultations with representatives of the Saeima factions at Riga Castle on Friday, Latvia-based LSM reported.
Silina's resignation implies collapse of the Latvian government, which already fell on Wednesday when the coalition party Progressives announced withdrawal of the support from the government.
Silina said, "At this moment, political jealousy and narrow party interests have taken precedence over responsibility. Seeing a strong candidate for the post of defence minister [Colonel Raivis Melnis, whom Siliņa nominated to replace the resigned Progressives' minister Andris Spruds], political windbags have chosen a crisis â€" a government crisis. That is why I am announcing my resignation. This is not an easy decision, but it is the right decision in this situation."
Earlier on Wednesday, Latvia's Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) had said that Siliņa does not plan to resign. However, leader of the Progressives parliamentary faction, Andris Suvajevs, said on Thursday that the government would collapse if a vote of no confidence against Siliņa takes place in the Saeima (Latvian parliament) today, LSM reported.
Last week, Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds stepped down after Ukrainian drones entered the country's airspace from Russia and hit an oil storage facility, Politico reported.
On May 10, Latvian PM Evika Silina said she asked Spruds to resign as it "demonstrated that the political leadership of the defence sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our country."
"Defence Minister Andris Spruds has lost my trust and that of the public. I have made the decision to demand the resignation of Defense Minister Andris SprÅ«ds. The defense sector must henceforth be led by a professional. Today, I have informed the minister and coalition partners of this decision. The drone incident that occurred this week clearly demonstrated that the political leadership of the defense sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our country. The public has entrusted the sector with the historically largest fundingâ€"nearly 5 per cent of GDP. That is an enormous responsibility that demands clear results," Silina posted on X.
"I believe the sector requires a new, professional approach. I have invited Colonel Raivis Melnis to take the position of defense minister, and he has agreed. His previous experience in the National Armed Forces, military education in London, and current work in Ukraine provide confidence that the country's defense will be led competently, purposefully, and beyond election rhetoric. The safety of our country and its people stands above politics," she added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The PM's comment about "political jealousy and narrow party interests taking precedence over responsibility" sounds familiar to anyone following Indian politics! 😅 But in all seriousness, a government collapsing over a defence minister's resignation? That's a bit dramatic, no? Even if there were failures, couldn't they have worked things out?
The way Silina handled the defence minister's resignation—publicly demanding it and then appointing a military colonel—shows strong leadership in a tough situation. But then to resign herself? That feels contradictory. Either she had the mandate to lead or she didn't. A bit confusing, honestly. 🤔
As someone who follows Baltic politics, this is a classic case of coalition fragility. The Progressives pulling support over a defence appointment? That's just an excuse—they've been at odds with New Unity for months. Silina's resignation might actually be the right call to force fresh elections. Better to have a clear mandate than a shaky coalition.
A defence minister resigning over a drone incursion? In India, we have had far bigger security lapses (like Pathankot, Uri) and ministers just kept their chairs. But the accountability standard in Latvia is actually refreshing. The PM saying "safe skies over our country" is non-negotiable—we need that kind of ownership in India too! Respect for that.
Slight concern: The PM appointed a military colonel (Raivis Melnis) as defence minister. While his credentials sound good, is it wise to have a uniformed officer directly in a political role? That could blur civilian-military boundaries. In mature democracies, political leadership
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.