Latvian Prime Minister Siliņa resigns after drone-related security incidents

The political crisis had effectively begun earlier, when the The Progressives, a member of the ruling coalition, announced it would stop supporting Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and called for the formation of a new government, the report said.

Following the resignation, the current Cabinet will continue operating as a caretaker government until a new administration is approved. Edgars Rinkēvičs has already received notice of the prime minister’s resignation and is expected to begin consultations with parliamentary factions in the coming days on forming a new coalition.

The president is then expected to nominate a candidate for prime minister who will attempt to form a new government and secure the support of a parliamentary majority, the report added.

Speaking to reporters, Siliņa said she had made a “difficult but honest decision,” stressing that she was “not going to give up.” The prime minister also criticized her coalition partners, accusing them of political infighting and unwillingness to take responsibility during a difficult period for the country.

LSM noted that the resignation came amid opposition plans to initiate a no-confidence vote against the government. Parliament had initially announced a recess ahead of an expected address by Siliņa, but instead of speaking in the Saeima, she held a separate news conference at the government building, the outlet said.

Drones in Latvia

On May 7, Latvia declared an air alert after drones entered the country from Russia. The drones later crashed, with one reportedly falling near an oil storage facility in the city of Rēzekne, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Russian border.

On May 8, Latvia’s State Police clarified that the oil storage facility in Rēzekne had been struck by two drones. Later, Andrii Sybiha said the appearance of drones in Latvian airspace was linked to the operation of Russian electronic warfare systems.

On May 10, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds resigned following the drone incidents. He said he was taking responsibility for the situation and considered the country’s security more important than his position.