New government won’t have time to ’warm up’ says PM

Outgoing Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, who is stepping down from his position following last years supermarket collapse disaster, said that the new government will not have time to ''warm up'', and must be able to immediately tackle the matters at hand. 

''The next government will also have to continue to work decisively in strengthening the rule of law, fight corruption, as well as lessen the financial influence on politics,''  said Dombrovskis in one of his final addresses.

Dombrovskis added that the next government must also maintain a rational and pragmatic approach towards the country's macro-economic goals.

Speaking about his decision to step down in wake of the Riga supermarket tragedy, the prime minister pointed out that his aim was to give the public a clear signal that real change is necessary, so that such a tragedy never repeats itself.

He said that a new government capable of taking action is necessary, which would also have a clear majority in parliament. He went on to thank prime minister candidate Laimdota Straujuma (Unity) for agreeing to head the new government.

He added: ''We have put Latvia on a path of stable growth, as well as restored our reputation. However, there are still many challenges we will need to face.'' 

Dombrovskis announced his resignation on November 27, 2013, taking political responsibility for the November 21 tragedy in Riga's Zolitude, when 54 people died as the roof of a "Maxima" supermarket collapsed.

When the new government is confirmed by Saeima, Dombrovskis intends to renew his MP mandate.

Dombrovskis has also been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. However, Dombrovskis has said it's too early to speak about the matter.