PM survives vote

  • 2009-02-05
  • TBT Staff in cooperation with BNS
RIGA - Latvian Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis has survived a vote of no-confidence.

The Feb. 4 no-confidence motion, which was lodged by opposition parties, failed with 40 lawmakers in favor of the move and 51 against. The vast majority of those who voted to remove the prime minister were members of the opposition.

Following the vote, the prime minister said he does not consider himself irreplaceable, but he does not see anyone wishingto take his position.

Godmanis said earlier that if he survives the confidence vote, he willlaunch restructuring of the government, including reduction of the number ofministries. Coalition partners have voiced different opinions on the necessarynumber of ministries, the necessity to broaden coalition and formation of newgovernment.

About 100 people gathered outside the parliament building in anticipation of the vote.