Silina announces her resignation

RIGA - Prime Minister Evika Silina announced her resignation on Thursday, therefore Silina's government has also resigned.

In a statement to the media, Silina emphasized that wellbeing and security of the people of Latvia is and always will be the most important thing for her. This has always been her responsibility toward every citizen of Latvia. "Now more than ever, the people of Latvia need a sense of security, not squabbles between political parties," Silina said.

The latest drone incident in Latgale was the last straw in terms of trust in now former Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives).

Russia's war in Ukraine has changed the security situation in the entire Europe, and Latvia cannot pretend that it does not affect it, said Silina. This is why Silina's government has taken a number of tough decisions regarding this year's budget, including on ministries' spending cuts.

This was not easy, but it has been done because ministers realized that security of the people of Latvia was the highest priority. "That is why I have the right to ask for results," said Silina.

Silina said that her coalition was approved at a time when tough decisions had to be taken every day.

Seeing the complicated situation at the Defense Ministry, Silina concluded that Spruds could not continue as defense minister and he was therefore released. Security now more than ever needs to be in the hands of a professional, which is why Silina nominated Colonel Raivis Melnis for the post of defense minister.

Silina's statement also criticizes the Progressives party. The leaders of the Progressives, instead of working together to strengthen security, chose political retreat instead. This is unacceptable to Silina and New Unity.

According to Silina, the Progressives have taken on responsibilities, positions and promises that they have not been able to deliver, but when a critical situation arose, they shifted the responsibility to others.

"The people of Latgale should not live in ignorance because of political games", said Silina.

Silina accepted the prime minister's post because people needed stability, heading a government made up of very different political forces: New Unity, the Progressives, and the Union of Greens and Farmers. Silina's goal has always been Latvia's development, wellbeing and security of the people. "Parties and coalitions change, Latvia remains, people remain," she said.

She also believes that political jealousy and specific party interests have taken precedence over responsibility, which is why she has decided to step down. "It is not an easy decision, but it is an honest decision in this situation," said Silina.

She also stressed that she was resigning, but "not giving up and quitting". The promises made to the people of Latvia will be fulfilled together with New Unity.

As Silina was delivering her statement, all ministers of New Unity were standing behind her.