Latvia’s centre-right prime minister, Evika Siliņa, announced her resignation on Thursday following the collapse of her coalition government. The political crisis was triggered by the government’s handling of Ukrainian drones that strayed into Latvian territory from Russia.
The resignation comes months before general elections scheduled for October. Siliņa, who leads the centre-right New Unity party, lost her ruling majority after her left-leaning coalition partner, the Progressives party, withdrew its support.
Political Collapse and the Firing of the Defence Minister
The crisis intensified after Siliņa forced the resignation of Defence Minister Andris Sprūds on Sunday. Siliņa stated that Sprūds had lost both her trust and that of the public regarding the management of stray drones suspected to be from Ukraine.
In response to the sacking, nine members of the Progressives party quit the coalition, alleging that Siliņa had used Sprūds as a scapegoat. This move left the government with only 41 seats in the 100-seat parliament, leaving it facing the prospect of losing a confidence vote.
Announcing her departure, Siliņa said: “The most essential thing for me is the wellbeing of Latvians and our country’s security … The brutal war waged by Russia in Ukraine has changed the security situation throughout Europe.”
Security Failures and Regional Tensions
The head of the army reported that the drones, which flew in from Russia, had not been detected. Siliņa blamed the Defence Minister for failing to oversee the sufficiently swift development of anti-drone systems.
Since March, numerous Ukrainian drones have strayed from Russia into Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Government critics claim these incursions reveal significant weaknesses in Latvia’s ability to respond to potential threats.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, attributed the intrusions to Russian electronic warfare intended to divert drones from their targets in Russia. In response to the situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to send experts to Latvia to assist in protecting its airspace.
Wider Regional Impact
The instability in Latvia mirrors broader regional tensions resulting from Russia’s war on Ukraine. On Thursday, Hungary summoned Moscow’s ambassador following a Russian drone attack on Ukraine that killed at least six people.
Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, signaled a shift in tone from his predecessor, Viktor Orbán, by issuing a “strong condemnation” of the attack. Magyar’s foreign minister, Anita Orbán, questioned when Vladimir Putin and Russia plan to end the war, which began more than four years ago.
Other neighboring nations have also reacted to recent threats. Poland scrambled fighter jets, while Slovakia closed its border with Ukraine for security reasons. Moldova reported that a Russian drone crossed its airspace, flying for approximately 180 miles.
What Happens Next
Latvia’s president, Edgars Rinkēvičs, is due to meet with representatives from all parties on Friday. These talks are expected to focus on the formation of a new government.
Given the current parliamentary makeup, the next administration may need to address the perceived weaknesses in anti-drone infrastructure to regain public trust before the October elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Prime Minister Evika Siliņa resign?
She resigned after her coalition government collapsed when the Progressives party withdrew its support following the firing of Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.
What caused the friction between the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister?
Siliņa blamed Sprūds for the poor handling of stray drones and a failure to develop anti-drone systems quickly enough, specifically citing an incident on 7 May where drones exploded at an oil storage facility.
How has Ukraine responded to the drone incursions in Latvia?
Ukraine’s foreign minister stated the incursions were caused by Russian electronic warfare, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered to send experts to help Latvia protect its skies.
How should democratic governments balance internal political stability with the urgent need for rapid military modernization during a regional crisis?
