Arabic version: استقالة رئيسة وزراء لاتفيا بسبب جدل الطائرات المسيرة

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has resigned following a political crisis triggered by the sacking of her defense minister, Andris Spruds, over controversy regarding stray Ukrainian drones. According to ABC News, the drones, which were reportedly on an attack mission in Russia, crashed into Latvian territory, causing significant public outcry regarding the government’s response.

The incident, which occurred on May 7, led to criticism of Latvia’s defense capabilities after one drone caused a fire at a disused oil storage site in eastern Latvia. Silina dismissed Spruds, claiming that the country’s anti-drone systems were not deployed quickly enough to address the threats posed by the intrusions.

However, Spruds’ allies, particularly from the left-wing Progressive party, withdrew their support for Silina, accusing her of scapegoating him for the incident. This withdrawal significantly weakened her coalition, leaving her government with only 41 seats in the 100-seat parliament, prompting opposition parties to threaten a vote of confidence just five months before legislative elections.

In addition to the political fallout from the drone incidents, Silina’s administration faced further challenges, including the brief detention of Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze amid ongoing corruption investigations. Silina, who had served as prime minister since September 2023, emphasized her commitment to the wellbeing and security of the Latvian people during her resignation announcement.

President Edgars Rinkevics has indicated plans to meet with party leaders to discuss the formation of a new government. The situation has underscored vulnerabilities in Latvia’s air defense system, with Ukraine offering to assist in strengthening these defenses in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia.