Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, representing the centre-right New Unity, on May 14 resigned after the collapse of her fragile governing coalition, plunging the Baltic state into political uncertainty at a time of heightened regional security tensions and ahead of the parliamentary elections in October, the government announced.

The crisis erupted after disagreements within the coalition over defence policy and the proposed appointment of Colonel Raivis Melnis as the country’s new defence minister.

Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds, representing the left-leaning Progressives, announced on the evening of May 10 that he is stepping down, facing mounting political pressure after a series of drone incidents exposed weaknesses in the country’s air defence and public warning systems.

Reportedly, several drones entered Latvian airspace from Russia overnight in the early hours of May 7, with two of them crashing and one causing a fire at an oil depot in Rezekne. 

The coalition led by New Unity held 52 seats in Latvia’s 100-seat Parliament Saeima. The alliance consisted of New Unity, the Union of Greens and Farmers and The Progressives.

Silina announced her departure on the afternoon of May 14 after coalition partner Progressives withdrew support for her government, effectively stripping it of a parliamentary majority.

“At this moment, political jealousy and narrow party interests have taken precedence over responsibility,” Silina said in a statement, Latvia’s national broadcaster LSM.lv reported.

Her resignation automatically brings down the government, although ministers will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new coalition is formed.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has received Silina’s resignation letter and is expected to begin consultations with parliamentary parties on May 15 in an effort to assemble a new administration.

“Seeing a strong candidate for the post of defence minister, political windbags have chosen a crisis – a government crisis,” Silina said, directly criticising former coalition partners, LSM.lv reported.

The Progressives, however, accused the prime minister of attempting to shift blame.

Opposition parties said Silina’s departure had become inevitable after weeks of mounting political tensions and declining support.

National Alliance lawmaker Arturs Butans described the resignation as “a logical step” and condemned what he called “political games” inside parliament during the final hours of the government, LSM.lv reported.

The National Alliance has already expressed readiness to form a new government.

Meanwhile, Latvia First faction leader Linda Liepina linked the collapse to a widening corruption investigation after Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze was detained in a separate timber industry probe.

Political analyst Janis Ikstens said Silina’s resignation could allow her New Unity party to reset before the next parliamentary elections.

“They need to find another candidate,” Ikstens said. “Nominating Silina again would not be a sensible choice,” LETA, a Latvian news agency, reported.