Arabic version: استقالة رئيسة وزراء لاتفيا بعد حادثة الطائرة المسيرة
Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has resigned just days after a drone incursion that sparked public frustration over the government’s response. According to The Guardian, Siliņa expressed her dissatisfaction with the late alerts provided to the population regarding the incident.
The resignation follows a crisis triggered by two suspected Ukrainian drones that entered Latvian airspace on May 7, one of which crashed at a fuel storage facility. The situation has led to criticism of Latvia’s military readiness, with Siliņa’s coalition partners, the Progressives, refusing to support her decision to dismiss Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.
In her resignation announcement, Siliņa described the decision as “difficult, but honest,” attributing the political turmoil to her coalition partners prioritizing party interests over national security. The coalition, which has faced strain over various issues, will now remain in a caretaker role until a new government can be formed.
Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs is expected to initiate consultations to find a new prime minister capable of commanding a parliamentary majority ahead of elections scheduled for October. Meanwhile, the political landscape remains tense as neighboring countries respond to ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine, further complicating Latvia’s security situation.
