Latvia PM Evika Silina resigns after coalition collapse over Ukraine Drone controversy

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced her resignation on Thursday after the collapse of her coalition government, following growing political tensions over the handling of stray Ukrainian drone incidents near the Russian border.

Silina, leader of the centre-right New Unity party, confirmed her decision in a televised address, saying, “I am resigning, but I am not giving up.” Her resignation comes just months before Latvia is scheduled to hold elections in October.

The political crisis deepened after the left-wing Progressives party withdrew its support from the ruling coalition, leaving Silina without a parliamentary majority.

The fallout followed the dismissal of Defence Minister Andris Spruds over criticism surrounding the government’s handling of incidents involving stray Ukrainian drones reportedly entering Latvian territory from Russia.

Under Latvia’s constitution, President Edgars Rinkevics will now begin consultations with parliamentary parties to identify a new candidate to form the next government.

The developments come amid heightened regional security concerns linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing military activity near NATO member states bordering Russia.

Latvia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has remained a strong supporter of Ukraine throughout the war and has repeatedly raised concerns over regional security threats.