Latvia’s president begins coalition talks after PM resigns

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has initiated consultations with six parliamentary parties following the resignation of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, as Latvia enters a period of political uncertainty ahead of upcoming elections.

According to the presidential administration, the first round of talks took place on Friday, May 15, at Riga Castle, where Rinkēvičs met with representatives of the Progressives party.

The consultations follow the collapse of the ruling three-party coalition, triggered by the withdrawal of support from the centre-left Progressives. The party distanced itself from the liberal-conservative government due to disagreements over how authorities responded to drone-related incidents along the border with Russia.

Siliņa, who had been serving as prime minister since September 2023, formally submitted her resignation on Thursday, bringing an end to her administration.

In line with Latvia’s Constitution, the resignation of the prime minister automatically results in the dismissal of the entire cabinet. However, the outgoing government will continue to perform its duties in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed through the ongoing political consultations.

The unfolding political crisis comes at a sensitive moment, just months before parliamentary elections scheduled for October, raising the stakes for coalition negotiations and the formation of a new government.

By Tamilla Hasanova