By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Evika Silina resigned on Thursday after the left-leaning The Progressives withdrew support from her coalition government, leaving her without a parliamentary majority ahead of Latvia’s October general elections.
Silina, who became prime minister in 2023, announced her resignation in a televised address. She said her decision followed growing political tension over Latvia’s handling of suspected Ukrainian drones that crossed into the Baltic country. The crisis also forced Defence Minister Andris Spruds to resign earlier this week.
“I am resigning, but I am not giving up,” Silina said during her announcement.
Drone Incidents Trigger Political Backlash
The political crisis intensified after two suspected Ukrainian drones entered Latvia on May 7. One of the drones crashed at a fuel storage facility, raising concerns about national security and airspace protection.
Silina blamed the incidents on Russian electronic warfare. According to her, the interference deliberately redirected Ukrainian drones away from targets inside Russia.
She said the incidents exposed failures within Latvia’s defence leadership.
“The incidents clearly demonstrated that the political leadership of the defence sector failed to fulfil its promise of safe skies over our country,” Silina stated while explaining Spruds’s dismissal.
Since March, several Ukrainian drones heading toward Russia have reportedly crossed into Baltic airspace. Similar incidents have also occurred in other European countries since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Public Criticism Grows Over Baltic Security
The drone incidents sparked criticism across the Baltic region. Many citizens questioned whether Latvia and neighbouring countries could effectively respond to military threats.
The controversy weakened Silina’s coalition government. Consequently, the withdrawal of support by the Progressives Party pushed her administration into collapse.
Meanwhile, Edgars Rinkevics is expected to meet parliamentary parties on Friday to begin consultations on forming a new government.
Latvia is scheduled to hold general elections in October.
Silina Says Latvia’s Security Remains Her Priority
Following her resignation, Silina posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, stressing her commitment to the country.
“My priority has always been, and remains, the well-being and security of Latvia’s people,” she wrote.
“Parties and coalitions change, but Latvia endures. And my responsibility to society comes above all else.”
Ukraine Offers Support to Baltic States
Meanwhile, Andrii Sybiha offered assistance to Latvia, Finland, and other Baltic nations to help prevent similar drone incidents in the future.
The offer comes as regional tensions continue to rise because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
